Rock, Pop, etc.
concerts
ANITA BAKER Fri 12/27 and Sat 12/28, 8 PM, Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 and U.S. 30, Merrillville, Indiana. 773-734-7266 or 312-559-1212.
CREED Sun 12/29, 7:15 PM, Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim, Rosemont. 847-635-6601 or 312-559-1212.
DARK STAR ORCHESTRA 18 & over. Sun 12/29, 8:30 PM, the Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield. 773-472-0449 or 312-559-1212.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENCROACHMENT Free concert and “Parade of World Funk” performance with live music, puppets, costumes, and projected images. Sat 12/21, 4 PM, Millennium Park, 55 N. Michigan. 312-742-7529.
MAURO FROSIO Fri 12/20 and Sat 12/21, 10:30 PM, Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland. 773-384-0494.
FRANCE JEAN-BAPTISTE Free concert. Fri 12/27, noon, Chicago Music Mart, DePaul Center, 333 S. State. 312-362-6700.
SANDY LUCAS & LENNY MARSH Free holiday concert celebrates Kwanza. Fri 12/27, 12:15 PM, Randolph Cafe, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. 312-744-6630.
VAL MINDEL & EMILY MILLER Free concert and holiday sing-along. Sun 12/22, 2 PM, Millennium Park, 55 N. Michigan. 312-742-7529.
MUSIC WITH MEANING 3 with Addie, Greg Smith, Billy, Brandon Weatherbee, Fetor, Anthony Rayson, Brent, Dave; free admission. Fri 12/27, 8 PM, Quimby’s Bookstore, 1854 W. North. 773-342-0910.
PATRICIA MUSKER performs “Roxy Bellows & Friends.” Fridays and Saturdays, 9 PM, Noble Fool Theater, 16 W. Randolph. 312-726-1156.
NELLY & THE ST. LUNATICS, B2K, MUSIQ, LL COOL J, SYLEENA JOHNSON Sun 12/29, 6 PM, United Center, 1901 W. Madison. 312-455-4500 or 312-559-1212.
BRADFORD NEWQUIST performs “Croon and Swoon: A Classic Christmas”; free concert. Fri 12/20, noon, Chicago Water Works Visitor Center, 163 E. Pearson. 877-244-2246.
POINT BREAKERS, ALL NATURAL, HALL OF FAME, USUAL SUSPECTZ, IOMOS, DJ TIMBUCK2 perform at “The Grand Finale” open mike hosted by Malik Yusef. Sat 12/21, 7 PM, Promontory Point Park, 5491 S. South Shore Dr. 312-747-6187.
STARSTRUCK, ADD, FETOR, SPITALFIELD, VANILLA VILLAGE VILLAINS, SPLIT-HABIT, REZEEW, FALLOUT BOY, EPSIN, KICKBALL, STANCE, HAMMERHEAD SHARKS, SWITCHBLADE ROMANCE, 5 DAYS LATE Sat 12/28, 2:30 PM, Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake, Oak Park. 708-848-5860.
WESLEY WALKER Fri 12/27 and Sat 12/28, 10:30 PM, Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland. 773-384-0494.
GEORGE WINSTON Sat 12/21, 8 PM, Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University, Governors Hwy. and Stuenkel Rd., University Park. 708-235-2222.
Rock, Pop, etc.
clubs
ABBEY PUB 3420 W. Grace: Fri 12/20, 9 PM, American English (Beatles tribute). Tuesdays, 8 PM, open stage. Fri 12/27, 9 PM, Mr. Blotto. Sat 12/28, 10 PM, Freakwater, Dolly Varden, Blanche. 773-478-4408.
ALUMNI CLUB 15 W. Division: Fridays, 10 PM-4 AM, and Saturdays, 10 PM-5 AM, DJs Eddie & Breeze. 312-337-4349.
ALUMNI CLUB Rte. 31 south of Rte. 14, Crystal Lake: Music after 9 PM. Fridays, DJ Louie V. Saturdays, DJ Pat B. Thursdays, Jim Wodjyla, DJ Marty B. 815-356-6000.
ALUMNI CLUB 871 E. Algonquin, Schaumburg: Music at 5:30 PM. Fridays and Saturdays, DJ Too Much Funk. Sundays, DJ Double J. Thursdays, DJs Mike Z & Too Much Funk. 847-397-3100.
BALLY MUCK 1930 Grand, Waukegan: Thursdays, 8 PM, acoustic singer/songwriter showcase and open stage with Eric Mickler, Chris Sipos & Johnny Rocker. 847-244-5636.
BARN OF BARRINGTON 1415 S. Barrington Rd., Barrington: Music at 9 PM. In the Music Room: Fri 12/20, Mr. Myers. Fri 12/27, Yabba Griffiths & Traxx. Sat 12/28, Heartsfield. In the Piano Bar: Fri 12/20, Jen Porter. Saturdays, Michael Domingue & Jose Penera. Fri 12/27 and Sat 12/28, Alan Gresik. 847-381-8585.
THE BASSMENT 6057 N. California: Sundays, 4-7 PM, open mike for turntables, spoken word, and poetry. 773-764-2277.
BEAT KITCHEN 2100 W. Belmont: Bar and restaurant with music after 9:30 PM, later on weekends. Fri 12/20, Honor System, Life at Sea (see Spot Check), Atari Star. Sat 12/21, Regal Standard, Brian Whitman, University, All for Adeline. Sun 12/22, 7 PM, La Makita Soma, Midstates, Office, Majeur, Justin Petertil, Mark Denardo, Someone’s Doubting Thomas, Canasta, Mamaliga, Eric Ziegenhagen, Zapruder Point, Keen, Trenchdigger (no cover). Mondays, Pat McCurdy. Thu 12/26, Velvet Sun, Last of the Showmen, Intelligent Dennis. Fri 12/27, Andre Williams & the Sadies, Hot Machines, Tears. Sat 12/28, Peel, Beatnik Turtle, Chinchilla Fur. 773-281-4444.
BIG HORSE LOUNGE 1558 N. Milwaukee: Music after 9 PM. Fri 12/20, Mammoth Car, Grape Soda, Burnside Bridge. Sat 12/21, Last Valley, Memories, Young & Pretty, Fear & Trembling. Sun 12/22, Cancer Merchants, When Something Fails, Campsite 20, Rocky Denis. Mondays, 8 PM-2 AM, DJs Sadar & Richie Rich spin disco, rare grooves, and underground. Thu 12/26, Midway Story, Dials to Departure, the Nix, Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children. Sat 12/28, Dan Dominiak, Kelly Kruse, Dana Okon, Bill Anderson. 773-384-0043.
BINNY’S BEVERAGE DEPOT 3000 N. Clark: Saturdays, 1-5 PM, and Wednesdays, 3-7 PM, pianist Jeff Manuel. 773-935-9400.
BLACK BEETLE 2532 W. Chicago: Saturdays, 10 PM-3 AM, DJ Pickle & Company. Wednesdays, 10 PM-2 AM, the Captain spins rock. 773-384-0701.
BOTTOM LOUNGE 3206 N. Wilton: Music after 9 PM. Fri 12/20, Unibrow, Chlorine, Analog Radio, Because We Are Fearless Men. Sat 12/21, Guest, Groovatron, Beatnik Turtle (18 & over). Fri 12/27, 6 PM, Moda (all ages); 10 PM, Beernuts, Peelers. Sat 12/28, 5 PM, Audible Campaign, Knifey Spooney, Musket Arm (all ages); 9 PM, Box-o-Car, Cells, Light FM, Lovelies. 773-975-0505.
BOULEVARD CAFE 3137 W. Logan: Music after 10 PM. Sundays, Terrapin Flyer. Wednesdays, Cornmeal. Thu 12/26, Al Rose. Fri 12/27, Sisters & Brothers. Sat 12/28, Cedarcase, Stickfight, Rockin’ Billy. 773-384-8600.
BUCK’S GRILL 183 Main, Lake Zurich: Music after 7 PM. Fri 12/20, Tim Nolan. Sundays, 3 PM, A.C.E. open mike. Fri 12/27, Chris Michaels Band. 847-550-1127.
BURKHART STUDIOS 2845 N. Halsted: Music and spoken-word performances at 9 PM on Sunday nights (followed by an open mike). Sun 12/22, Becky Sharp, Lindsay Dunley & Rachel Banning, Erin Jordan. 773-348-8536.
C.J. ARTHUR’S 1168 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette: Music at 8:30 PM. Fri 12/20, Tumbleweed. Sat 12/21, L.U.V. 847-256-8870.
CADILLAC RANCH 1175 W. Lake, Bartlett: DJs spin after 8 PM. Wednesdays, DJ Pat B. Thursdays, DJs Pat B., Mike G. & Rockstar. 630-830-7200.
CALIFORNIA CLIPPER 1002 N. California: Music at 10 PM; no cover. Fri 12/20, Torturing Elvis. Sat 12/21, Lush Budgett. Sat 12/28, JT & the Clouds. 773-384-2547.
CAL’S 400 S. Wells: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/20, Strange Friends, Harold Washing Machine, Lone Assassins. Sat 12/21, Thin Man, Mud Toys, Sick Brothers. 312-922-6392.
CARIBOU COFFEE 356 Park, Glencoe: Sat 12/21, 8 PM, David & Marian. 847-835-3320.
CARY’S LOUNGE 2251 W. Devon: No cover. Mondays, 9 PM, acoustic open mike. 773-743-5737.
CHASE CAFE 7301 N. Sheridan: Tuesdays, 9 PM, open mike. 773-743-5650.
CLUB FOOT 1824 W. Augusta: DJs spin alternative and rock music 8 PM-2 AM nightly (until 3 AM Saturdays); no cover. Sundays, DJ Carrie Monster. Tue 12/24, annual dysfunctional family Christmas party. Wed 12/25, Roseann’s Christmas party with guest DJs. 773-489-0379.
COCOABEAN EXPRESSIONS 7007 N. Glenwood: Saturdays, 9 PM, One Voice open mike for music, comedy, spoken word, and poetry. 773-274-6057.
COTTON CLUB & ALL THAT JAZZ 1710 S. Michigan: Sundays and Wednesdays, 11 PM-4 AM, DJ Shockwave spins reggae. 312-341-9787.
COYLE’S TIPPLING HOUSE 2843 N. Halsted: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/20, Pat McCurdy. Sat 12/21, Family of Souls, Aswah Greggori & the Enforcers. Wednesdays, open mike. Fri 12/27, Celestial Static, Smuggling Molasses, Shampoobah. Sat 12/28, Joe Jacob. 773-528-7569.
CRISTAL LOUNGE at Magnum’s Steakhouse, 1701 W. Golf, Rolling Meadows: Music at 9:30 PM. Fridays, DJ Marty B. Sat 12/21, Libido Funk Circus. Sat 12/28, JP & the Cats. 847-952-8555.
CUBBY BEAR 1059 W. Addison: Fri 12/20, 9:30 PM, Voodoo Kings, Urban Funk Ordinance. Sat 12/21, 10 PM, Rubber. Thu 12/26, 9 PM, Karma Tease. Fri 12/27, 9:30 PM, Domestic Problems. Sat 12/28, 10 PM, Maggie Speaks. Sun 12/29, 7 and 10 PM, Ronnie Laws & the Incomparable Laws Family. 773-327-1662.
CUBBY BEAR LINCOLNSHIRE 21661 N. Milwaukee, Lincolnshire: Music at 10:30 PM. Fri 12/20, Underwater People. Sat 12/21, Catfight. Thursdays, 8 PM, DJs spin music of the 70s and 80s (no cover). Fri 12/27, Maggie Speaks. Sat 12/28, Hello Dave, Ingram Hill. 847-541-4700.
DANNY’S 1951 W. Dickens: Mon 12/23, 10 PM-4 AM, Nudge (no cover). 773-489-6457.
DAVENPORT’S PIANO BAR & CABARET 1383 N. Milwaukee: Music in the Cabaret Room and the Piano Bar. In the Cabaret Room: Fri 12/20, 8 PM, Daryl Nitz & Lucia Spina; 10:30 PM, Foiled Again Trio performs “Holiday Bizarre.” Sat 12/21, 8 PM, Daryl Nitz & Lucia Spina. Sun 12/22, 7 PM, Boofont Sisters. Mon 12/23, 6 PM, The Christmas Spirit (benefit for the Kidney Association); 9 PM, Collett Hawley. Sat 12/28, 8 PM, Aaron Short. In the Piano Bar: Fridays, 5 PM, Gwen Pippen; 7:30 PM, Andrew Blendermann. Saturdays, 5 PM, Gwen Pippen; 8 PM, Daryl Nitz & George Howe. Sundays, 8 PM, and Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 PM, George Howe. Thursdays, 9 PM, Andrew Blendermann. 773-278-1830.
DEJA VU 2624 N. Lincoln: DJs spin 9 PM-4 AM nightly (until 5 AM Saturdays). Fridays, DJs MD & Johnny Price. Saturdays, DJs Ethan David & Johnny Price. Tuesdays, DJ Johnny Price spins breakbeat. Wednesdays, DJ Ed Vantage. Thursdays, 10 PM, Bandoleros, DJ Ed Vantage. 773-871-0205.
DELILAH’S 2771 N. Lincoln: DJs spin after 9 PM; no cover. Sun 12/22, DJ Kenny Stain. Mon 12/23, DJ Sickboy spins punk. Tue 12/24, DJ Mike Miller. Wed 12/25, DJ Joe Camarillo spins country & western. Thu 12/26, DJ Chuck Wren spins ska. 773-472-2771.
DOUBLE DOOR 1572 N. Milwaukee: Fri 12/20, 9 PM, 12 Rods, Tracer, Lax, Disc Jockey CB. Sat 12/21, 10 PM, Sunhead King, Super D, Dremana, Emitter. Thu 12/26, 9 PM, Jesus & the Devil, NIL8, RCB, Unicycle aka Bohb. Fri 12/27, 8 PM, Thunderwing, Escape From Earth, Drive, Last Vegas, F.O.S., Withdrawal, Leroy Fix, Dante’s Voodoo Cabaret, Cyclones, Roman Meal (benefit for Gary Kessler). Sat 12/28, 10 PM, Old #8, Siderunners. 773-489-3160.
DUKE O’BRIEN’S 110 N. Main, Crystal Lake: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/20, Only Sons. Wednesdays, open mike hosted by Larry Welch (no cover). Thursdays, David Sarkis. Fri 12/27, Catfight. Sat 12/28, Voices. 815-356-9980.
DURTY NELLIE’S 55 N. Bothwell, Palatine: Music at 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays (on two stages), 8:30 PM Sundays, 9 PM Mondays, and 9:30 PM Tuesdays through Thursdays. Sat 12/21, Bottle of Justus. Mondays, open mike hosted by Paul Allodi (12/23 is a benefit for Palatine Township Food Pantry). Tuesdays, 45s (no cover). Wed 12/25, 10 PM, Catfight. Thu 12/26, 9:30 PM, Weathered (Creed tribute). Fri 12/27, Quantum Leep, Mixed Emotions, Paul Allodi. Sat 12/28, Rubber. 847-358-9150.
EDGEWATER LOUNGE 5600 N. Ashland: Music at 9:30 PM. Sat 12/21, Wingnuts. 773-878-3343.
ELBO ROOM 2871 N. Lincoln: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/20, Strain Busy Sky, Lyla Stone, Swizzle Tree. Sat 12/21, Madhops, Dexter, Wonderlust. Sundays, Sumo. Mon 12/23, Chicago Rock Club hosted by Karla Pacheco. Thu 12/26, Freebasic, Madahari. Fri 12/27, Anyway, Down the Line, Easy Tiger, Gayle Ritt. Sat 12/28, Pat DiNizio, Jason Tillery, Dylan Nelson. 773-549-5549.
EMERALD ISLE 6686 N. Northwest Hwy.: Music at 9:30 PM. Sat 12/21, Wanderlust. 773-775-2848.
EMPTY BOTTLE 1035 N. Western: Fri 12/20, 10 PM, Federation X (see Spot Check), Dishes, Blackouts. Sat 12/21, 9 PM, the Motion, Midnight Evils, Kalamazoo Precinct of Women Wrestlers. Sun 12/22, 9:30 PM, Ashtray Boy (see Spot Check), Doctor & the Dame, Braves; 10 PM, “Big Up” with Josh Abrams, Jacob Ross, Fred Wells (upstairs). Mon 12/23, 9:30 PM, Jesus & the Devil, Interociter, Logic of Elliot. Thu 12/26, 9 PM, All Natural, Lootpack with Medaphoar & Wildchild, Diverse, Jesse de la Pena. Fri 12/27, 10 PM, Frogs, New Constitution, Countdown. Sat 12/28, 10 PM, Waxwings, the Go, Magnus. Sun 12/29, 9:30 PM, Starlister, Like Young, Comsomol Diaries; 10 PM, “Big Up” with Josh Abrams, Jacob Ross, Fred Wells (upstairs). 773-276-3600.
ETHIO CAFE 3462 N. Clark: Wednesdays, 8 PM, Nguzo & the Groovement. Thursdays, 9 PM, Saba’s Speakeasy: music and poetry open mike and open turntables. 773-929-8300.
ETHIOPIAN DIAMOND 6120 N. Broadway: Fridays, 7 PM, Kelan Phil Cohran. 773-338-6100.
EXEDUS II 3477 N. Clark: Reggae nightly at 10 PM. Fri 12/20, Devon Brown. Sat 12/21 and Fri 12/27, Dub Dis. Sundays, Tue 12/24, and Thu 12/26, Indika. Wed 12/25, Devon Brown. Sat 12/28, Rasta Kelly. 773-348-3998.
EXIT 1315 W. North: DJs spin 9 PM-4 AM nightly. Sundays, DJs spin metal and industrial. Mondays, DJs spin punk rock. 773-395-2700.
FAMOUS FREDDIE’S ROADHOUSE 510 S. Park, Fox Lake: DJs spin after 8 PM. Saturdays and Thursdays, DJ Ryan Hagen. Wednesdays, DJ Richie Rich. 847-587-9677.
FAMOUS FREDDIE’S ROADHOUSE 1799 S. Busse, Mount Prospect: Music at 8 PM Thursdays, 9 PM Fridays and Saturdays; no cover. Fri 12/20, Deja Vu. Sat 12/21, Zero 2 60. Wednesdays, DJ Marty B. Thu 12/26, Jamnesia. Fri 12/27, JP & the Cats. Sat 12/28, Kato & the Houseboys. 847-593-2200.
FANTASY LOUNGE 4400 N. Elston: Music after 9:30 PM. Fri 12/20, One Day Old. Saturdays, DJs spin. Wednesdays, open jam with Hambone. 773-685-8083.
FAT BEAN 2959 Artesian, Naperville: Fridays, 7 PM, open mike hosted by Tim Trojanowski. 630-922-9821.
FEATURES BAR & GRILL 10 W. Chicago, Naperville: Music in Club Mamalu; no cover. Fridays, 9:30 PM, Mike Heaton Band. Saturdays, 9 PM, DJs spin hits from the 70s and 80s. Thursdays, 8 PM, dueling pianos. 630-416-3310.
FIRESIDE BOWL 2646 W. Fullerton: All-ages shows nightly at 7 PM. Fri 12/20, Half Stachon, Geezers, the Effect, Waste. Sat 12/21, 5 PM, Hewhocorrupts, Frontside, Fordirelifesake, Step Forward Look West; 10 PM, Black Hole. Sun 12/22, 5 PM, Hardcore for Hunger benefit with Payback, Disavow, Demonspeed, Strongpoints to Repel the Enemy. Mon 12/23, I Love Rich, Mushuganas, Lynyrd’s Innards, Make Outs. Thu 12/26, Killing Tree, Suicide Note, Deadly. Fri 12/27, Limpwrist, Punch in the Face, I Attack, Los Jodidos. Sat 12/28, 5 PM, Retro Morning, Backdrop, Why Intercept?; 10 PM, Phenoms, Methadones, the Itch. Sun 12/29, 7 PM, Kill Pill, Tora Tora Torrance, While They Slept, Kid Eternal. 773-486-2700.
FITZGERALD’S 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn: Fri 12/20, 9 PM, Off Broadway, Helen’s Promise, Subversives. Sat 12/28, 10 PM, Cathy Richardson Band. 708-788-2118.
FIZZ BAR & GRILL 3220 N. Lincoln: Saturdays, 11 PM, DJs spin. Tuesdays, 8:30 PM, Steve Z sings the songs of Frank Sinatra. 773-348-6000.
FLATLANDER’S Milwaukee & Half Day, Lincolnshire: Restaurant and bar with music at 9 PM. Fri 12/20, Hi-Fi. Sat 12/21, Dry County. Fri 12/27, the Flat. Sat 12/28, Bamboo Grove. 847-821-1234.
FLY ME TO THE MOON 3400 N. Clark: Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 8 PM, Jack Crofoot. 773-528-4033.
FOUNDERS HILL BREWING COMPANY 5200 Main, Downers Grove: Music at 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 PM Thursdays. Fridays, DJ Zion & Brian Paul spin (upstairs). Fri 12/20, Topaz. Sat 12/21, Patchouli. Sat 12/28, Biff & the Waybacks. 630-963-2739.
4-PLAY 3517 N. Clark: Thursdays, 9 PM, open mike hosted by Mike Ritchie. 773-929-4000.
FRANKIE’S BLUE ROOM 16 W. Chicago, Naperville: Music after 9:30 PM on Fridays, 9 PM on Saturdays. Fri 12/20, dueling pianos with Troy & Tony. 630-416-4898.
FUEL 3724 N. Clark: DJs spin 9 PM-2 AM nightly (until 3 AM Saturdays). Fridays through Sundays and Tuesdays, DJ JC. Mondays, DJ Chris B spins punk and alternative. 773-248-3330.
GALLERY CABARET 2020 N. Oakley: Music at 10 PM on weekends, 9 PM on weeknights. Fri 12/20, Heavy Mental, God Wafer. Sat 12/21, Suckmakers Christmas reunion show. Fri 12/27, Rocky Galati, Genral Patton & His Privates. Sat 12/28, Babykage, Apartment, Sazitre. 773-489-5471.
GATOR’S PUB & GRILL NORTH 1719 N. Rand, Palatine: Music at 10 PM. Sat 12/21, 9 PM, John Vinopal (no cover). Tue 12/24, G’tar Man Dave (no cover). 847-705-0555.
GENTRY 440 N. State: Cabaret acts perform nightly. Fri 12/20, 5:30 PM, Kathryn Payne; 9 PM, Jeremy Rill & Ben Hartman. Saturdays, 10 PM, David Petro & Russ Long. Sundays, 9 PM, open mike hosted by Beckie Menzie. Mon 12/23, 5:30 PM, Kathryn Payne; 9 PM, Kerry Kincanon & Beckie Menzie. Tue 12/24, 5:30 PM, Kathryn Payne; 9:30 PM, Jen Porter. Wed 12/25, 9 PM, Kathryn Payne. Thu 12/26, 5:30 PM, Kathryn Payne; 9 PM, Denise Tomasello & Russ Long. Fri 12/27, 5:30 PM, Kathryn Payne; 9 PM, Ginger Tam & Russ Long. 312-836-0933.
GENTRY ON HALSTED 3320 N. Halsted: Fri 12/20, 7:30 PM, Allen Nichols; 9:30 PM, Jeff Roscoe. Sat 12/21, 7:30 PM, Jeremy Rill & Ben Hartman; 10 PM, Kathryn Payne. Sundays, 6 PM, Honey West & James Cebastien; 9:30 PM, Jennifer Crivellone & Bill Underwood. Mon 12/23, 7:30 PM, Jeff Roscoe; 9:30 PM, Nan Mason & Bill Underwood. Tue 12/24, 7:30 PM, Jen Porter; 9:30 PM, open mike hosted by Dan Stetzel. Wed 12/25, 9:30 PM, Pamela Fox & Dan Stetzel. Thu 12/26, 9:30 PM, Tricia Grennan & George Howe. Fri 12/27, 7:30 PM, Jeff Roscoe; 9:30 PM, Beckie Menzie. Sat 12/28, 7:30 PM, Tricia Grennan & George Howe; 10 PM, Kathryn Payne. 773-348-1053.
GIN MILL 2462 N. Lincoln: DJs spin after 8 PM Thursdays through Saturdays. 773-549-3232.
GOOSE ISLAND BREWERY 3535 N. Clark: Sat 12/21, 10 PM, Halfway Jane. 773-549-9624.
GOOSE ISLAND BREWERY 1800 N. Clybourn: Thursdays, 9 PM, local music showcase and open stage (no cover). 312-915-0071.
GRANDPA’S PLACE 1868 Prairie, Glenview: Fridays, 6 PM, Frank Raven & Jim Desmond. 847-724-1390.
GRIFFIN’S PUBLIC HOUSE 2710 N. Halsted: No cover. Tuesdays, 9 PM, open mike. Wednesdays, 9 PM, Jack Straw. Thursdays, 10 PM, Hack ‘n’ Wheeze. 773-525-7313.
GUNTHER MURPHY’S 1638 W. Belmont: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/20, War Brides, John Hasbrouck. Fri 12/27, 10 PM, Nomad Planets, Urban Twang. 773-472-5139.
HANG TIME 624 N. York, Elmhurst: Fri 12/20, 5:30 PM, Matthew McBride. 630-279-1100, ext. 7108.
HARRY’S VELVET ROOM 56 W. Illinois: Fridays, 10 PM-4 AM, Karlos G., Deejay Cease & Jesse de la Pena spin hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, and house. Saturdays, 11 PM-5AM, DJ Swank, Matt Warren. Thursdays, 11 PM-4 AM, DJ Fabian. 312-527-5600.
HEARTLAND CAFE 7000 N. Glenwood: Bar and restaurant. Fri 12/20, 9 PM, Ami Saraiya, Aman, Homeland Security (benefit for Voices in the Wilderness). Sat 12/21, 9 PM, Ellen Rosner, Kite Club, Ripley Caine, Anjali. Sun 12/22, 8:30 PM, Chuck’s Electric. Wednesdays, 10 PM, open mike. Sun 12/29, 9 PM, Todd Lieberman. 773-465-8005.
HIDEOUT 1354 W. Wabansia: Fri 12/20, 10 PM, Low Skies, Kelly Hogan & Andy Hopkins (benefit for P.L.A.Y. and C.A.U.S.E.S.) Sat 12/21, 9:30 PM, Children’s Hour, Danger Adventure, Cemor Ram, Brendon Massei, Dead Dorks. Thu 12/26, 9:30 PM, Pinebender, Taking Pictures. Fri 12/27, 10 PM, Junior, Spankenstein, Wehrle. Sat 12/28, 10 PM, Puerto Muerto, Randy Wilson, High Tea, Jon Langford & Sally Timms. 773-227-4433.
HOG HEAD McDUNNA’S 1505 W. Fullerton: Music at 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays, 9 PM Wednesdays and Thursdays. Fri 12/20, Abstract Giants, Gidgets Ga-Ga (benefit for the Walter Payton Foundation). Sat 12/21, Dreaming Tree, Lori Wyatt. Wednesdays, open mike (no cover). Fri 12/27, Deals Gone Bad. Sat 12/28, Remedy, Shooting Blanks. 773-929-0944.
HOTHOUSE 31 E. Balbo: Fri 12/20, 9 PM, J. Davis Trio, Hierospecs, Spankie Treats. Sun 12/22, 5 PM, Asian American Artists’ Collective with Pintig, Mango Tribe, YAWP! & others. Sun 12/29, 9 PM, “Better Days” with Donnie, Twilite Tone. 312-362-9707.
HOTTI BISCOTTI 3545 W. Fullerton: Music at 8 PM; no cover. Thursdays, spoken word and music open mike with Soul People. 773-486-4093.
HOUSE OF BLUES 329 N. Dearborn: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/20, Pat McGee Band, Virginia Coalition (sold out). Sat 12/21, 8:30 PM, Delbert McClinton, Jimi Rogers & the Mauds. Thu 12/26, Ekoostik Hookah, Forty Piece Choir, Free Space (18 & over). Fri 12/27 and Sat 12/28, Rusted Root (sold out). Sun 12/29, 6:30 PM, American Head Charge, Crash Poet, Drop (all-ages). 312-923-2000.
HOUSE OF BLUES HOTEL 333 N. Dearborn: Music in the Kaz Bar at 10 PM; no cover. Fri 12/20, Mark Harrod Project. 312-245-0333.
HOWL AT THE MOON 26 W. Hubbard: Dueling baby-grand piano players lead a sing-along at 5:45 PM Fridays, 6:45 PM Saturdays, and 7:45 PM Sundays through Thursdays. 312-863-7427.
ISAAC HAYES 739 N. Clark: Music at 7 PM. Fri 12/20 and Sat 12/21, Pieces of a Dream, Maysa Leak. 312-266-2400.
JAVA OASIS 2240 S. Michigan: Tuesdays, 7 PM, People’s Vocal Reactionary Liberation Movement hosted by Danny Devine & discopoet Khari B. 312-328-1216.
JOE BAILLY’S TAVERN 10854 S. Western: Sat 12/21, 10 PM, Foam Rubber. 773-238-1313.
JOE’S 940 W. Weed: Bar and restaurant with music at 10 PM. Fri 12/20, 17th Floor. Sat 12/21, Then Again, Stormy Monday. Sun 12/22, Kid Capri. Thu 12/26, Durty Lounge Lizards. Fri 12/27 and Sat 12/28, Mike & Joe, Tuck Pence. 312-337-3486.
JOY-BLUE 3998 N. Southport: Wednesdays, 9 PM, open mike. 773-477-3330.
KATERINA’S 1920 W. Irving Park: Sat 12/21, 9:30 PM, Paris Delane & the Hyper Harp. 773-348-7592.
KNOCKOUTS 325 N. Jefferson: Fridays, 9 PM-2 AM, DJ Kelly Williams. 312-648-0100.
LEG ROOM 7 W. Division: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM (until 5 AM Saturdays). Fridays and Saturdays, DJ Rhythm. Sundays and Thursdays, DJ Johnny Price. Wednesdays, 9 PM, Janelle’s Three, DJ Johnny Price. 312-337-2583.
LIAR’S CLUB 1665 W. Fullerton: DJs spin nightly at 9 PM. Fri 12/20, 8 PM, DJ Kat spins at the Psychotronic XXX-Mas show; burlesque film shorts will be screened. Sundays, Machine Gun Etiquette DJs spin old school punk and glam. Mondays, Mike O’Connell. Tuesdays, DJ Dujuan. Wed 12/25, 10 PM, DJs Ness, Kid 1 & Herb. 773-665-1110.
LIFE’S TOO SHORT 1177 N. Elston: Wednesdays, 9 PM, open mike. 773-384-1040.
LION HEAD PUB & THE APARTMENT 2251 N. Lincoln: DJs spin upstairs 9 PM-2 AM Wednesdays through Fridays, 9 PM-3 AM Saturdays. 773-348-5100.
LITHIUM 1124 W. Belmont: DJs spin 9 PM-2 AM; no cover. Fridays and Saturdays, DJs spin Top 40 and soul. Wednesdays, DJs spin hip-hop. Thursdays, DJs spin jazz. 773-477-6513.
LONG ROOM 1612 W. Irving Park: Sundays, 10:30 PM, Nicholas Barron & Galaxy 5. 773-665-4500.
LYONS DEN 1934 W. Irving Park: Fri 12/20, 10 PM, Manhandlers, Girlish Figure, Beauties, Twat Vibe. Sat 12/21, 10 PM, Alora, Milkplow, Wonderloaf. Sun 12/22, 7 PM, Strain Busy Sky. Thu 12/26, 9 PM, Doors of Perception, Captain Blood Orchestra. Fri 12/27, 10 PM, Redneck Exorcist, P-Lander Z, Jabs. Sat 12/28, 8 PM, Fallen Angels, Wingnuts, Courtesy Fade, Steepwater Band (benefit for the Fairygodmother Foundation). 773-871-3757.
MARTYRS’ 3855 N. Lincoln: Fri 12/20, 10 PM, Ulele. Sat 12/21, 10 PM, Saps, Psychobilly Kadillaks. Fri 12/27, 9:30 PM, Changes, Smushies, RANA, Brian Lovely. 773-404-9494.
MELANGE BLUE 2809 Butterfield, Oak Brook: Restaurant and tapas bar; no cover. Fridays, 4:30 PM-1 AM, DJs spin. Saturdays, 5:30 PM, Steve Blair & the Melange Blue Band; 8:30 PM-2 AM, DJs spin. 630-571-3600.
METRO 3730 N. Clark: Fri 12/20, 10 PM, Bumpus (see Spot Check), Homunculus, Abstract Giants (18 & over). Sat 12/21, 6:30 PM, Life Without, Crash Poet, Grindbox, Portrait (all-ages); 11:30 PM, Detroit Grand Pubahs, Phonograph Scientists. Sun 12/22, 6:30 PM, Starstruck, Short Arm Trick, Fallout Boy, Full Range (all-ages). Mon 12/23, 6 PM, Pegboy (see Spot Check), Tossers, Evil Beaver, GC5 (all-ages). Fri 12/27, 6:30 PM, Lucky Boys Confusion, Knockout, Amazing Transparent Man, Drawing a Blank (all ages). Sat 12/28, 6:30 PM, Lucky Boys Confusion, 15 Minutes Late, Fertility, 504 Plan (sold out). Sun 12/29, 6:30 PM, Macabre, Fleshgrind, Psycho Scapegoat, Contraption 7 (all-ages). 773-549-0203.
MICKEY FINN’S 412 N. Milwaukee, Libertyville: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/20, Jack Straw. Sat 12/21, Idaho Vandals. Fri 12/27, Pat McDonald. 847-362-6688.
MIKE DITKA’S Tremont Hotel, 100 E. Chestnut: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 PM, and Fridays and Saturdays, 9 PM, John Vincent (tribute to Frank Sinatra). 312-587-8989.
MRS. P & ME 100 E. Prospect, Mount Prospect: Music at 10 PM. Sat 12/21, Gypsy. 847-259-9724.
MISTO 1118 W. Grand: Restaurant. Saturdays, 10 PM, Gary Filip. 312-226-5989.
MOJOE’S 2256 W. Roscoe: Sat 12/21, 8 PM, “Music With Meaning 3” with Fetor, ADD (no cover; canned food drive). 773-388-1236.
MORETTI’S RISTORANTE & SPORTS BAR 6727 N. Olmsted: DJs spin 9 PM-2 AM (until 3 AM Saturdays). Fridays, DJ Rockstar. Sundays and Thursdays, DJ Freddie. 773-631-1223.
MOXIE’S 3517 N. Clark: Tuesdays, 8 PM, Love in a Box (no cover). 773-935-6694.
THE MUTINY 2428 N. Western: Music after 10 PM; no cover. Fri 12/20, Baron Zemo, Chaos Rising. Sat 12/21, Black Muff, Blanco. 773-486-7774.
NEVIN’S LIVE 1450 Sherman, Evanston: Fri 12/27, 8:30 PM, Steve Carver & friends. Sun 12/29, 7:30 PM, Los Osos Scandalosos, Lucky Ned Peppers (all-ages). 847-869-0450.
NO EXIT 6970 N. Glenwood: Fri 12/20 and Fri 12/27, 9 PM, Molly & Keturah. Mondays, 8 PM, open mike. 773-743-3355.
THE NOTE 1565 N. Milwaukee: Music at 10 PM; DJs spin after live shows until 4 AM. Fri 12/20, Chrome Flies. Tuesdays, midnight, DJs Alo, I-Ron, Fuego, MC Larry Millah. 773-489-0011.
OASIS 160 160 W. Joe Orr, Chicago Heights: Fri 12/20, 9:30 PM, Blue Harvest, Epstein’s Mother, Pushing 33, Knockhopper. Sat 12/21, 5 PM, On a Dime, Blackout, Albino Spiders, Sad-Eyed Angel (all-ages); 9:30 PM, High Speed Dirt (Megadeth tribute), Mad Mortise, Soul’s Demise. Sun 12/22, 5 PM, Shred, Spill, Lifter, Orion Nine, Immortality (all-ages). Fri 12/27, 9:30 PM, Biofeedback, No Love Lost, Born Against Time, Gideon’s Pawn. Sat 12/28, 5 PM, Homage Sun, Add, Infrared, Scumgrief (all-ages); 9:30 PM, Wicked Garden, WHT, Stone Jones. Sun 12/29, 5 PM, Second Seed, Khaos Theory, Blown, X Aisle, Less Than Majority (all-ages). 708-756-0600.
100 SOUTH CHOP HOUSE & GRILL 100 S. York, Elmhurst: Thursdays through Saturdays, 8 PM, Johnny Rome (no cover). 630-782-9091.
OTTO’S 118 E. Lincoln, De Kalb: Music at 10 PM. Fri 12/20, Mark Hughey. Tue 12/24, True Family Unit with DJs Turbotic, William Lee & Bryan Balli. Sat 12/28, More Fucked (no cover). 815-758-2715.
PHYLLIS’ MUSICAL INN 1800 W. Division: Music at 9:30 PM. Fri 12/20, Creepy D. Sat 12/21, the Space, Big Yield, Dirtbox Racer. Sun 12/22, Craig Moorehead, John France. Tuesdays, 10 PM, open mike hosted by Big Daddy Shag. Thu 12/26, Citizens. Fri 12/27, Sonnets, Junkie Princess. Sat 12/28, Crackpot. Sun 12/29, Bushoong. 773-486-9862.
PONTIAC CAFE 1531 N. Damen: Music after 10 PM; no cover. Fri 12/20, Ness, Jason Batchko. Sundays, El Salvador Dalai Llamas. 773-252-7767.
PRAIRIE ROCK BREWERY 127 S. Grove, Elgin: Music at 9 PM. Sat 12/21, Michael Rodio. 847-622-8888.
PRAIRIE ROCK BREWERY 1385 N. Meacham, Schaumburg: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/20, Arthur Lee. Sat 12/21, Kimi Hayes & Paula Marr. 847-605-9900.
PRODIGAL SON BAR & GRILL 2626 N. Halsted: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/20, Herc., God the Band, Roller Boulder, Eorl Scholl, Douggpound, Rich Szczepanski, Tony Mendoza. Sat 12/21, Returnables, Dummy, Paperbacks, Rolemodels. Sun 12/22, Colossal, Candyland Riots, New High Low. Thu 12/26, 8 PM, Mascots. Fri 12/27, All Golden, Sono. Sat 12/28, American Draft, Decibators, Dakota/Dakota. Sun 12/29, 8 PM, Hello Operator, Emily Shrine. 773-248-3093.
QUENCHERS SALOON 2401 N. Western: Music at 9:30 PM; no cover. Mondays, open mike hosted by Berry LaCroix. 773-276-9730.
RED LINE TAP 7006 N. Glenwood: Music at 9 PM. Sat 12/21, Violents, Quatre Tete. Wednesdays, pro jam hosted by Pat Hall. Thursdays, open mike. 773-274-3239.
REDHEAD PIANO BAR 16 W. Ontario: Fridays, 8 PM, Gene Garcia; 11:45 PM, David Crawford. Saturdays, 8 PM, Dave Johnson; midnight, John Zamojcin. Sundays, 8:30 PM-2:30 AM, John Zamojcin. Mondays, 8 PM, Tom Linsk & Lisa McClowry; 11:45 PM, Peter Miletic/Kenny Phelps. Tuesdays, 8 PM, John Zamojcin; 11:45 PM, Phil Baron. Wednesdays, 8 PM, Kenny Phelps; 11:45 PM, Gary Filip. Thursdays, 8 PM, Tom Linsk & Lisa McClowry; 11:45 PM, Arturo Santana. 312-640-1000.
RHYTHM 1108 W. Randolph: Fridays, 10 PM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 PM, drum circle. Sat 12/21, 10 PM, Chicago Samba. Fri 12/27, midnight, Jim Donovan & friends. Sat 12/28, noon, rhythm & drumming workshop hosted by Jim Donovan; 10 PM, Sabu. 312-492-6100.
RILEY’S ROCK HOUSE 110 N. Lake, Aurora: Sun 12/22, 3:30 PM, “Music With Meaning 3” with Sudden Dark, Immortality, Fetor, Undo Tomorrow, Orefisaurus, Nix, Until Sundown, Absolute Zero, Severed, Insurrection (all-ages; canned food drive). 630-896-1031.
ROCK HOUSE CAFE 2212 Algonquin, Rolling Meadows: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/20, Bottom Feeders, Donner Surprise Party, Powerknobs. Sat 12/21, God the Band, Team Rock-It, Hooked on Sonics. Thu 12/26, Jim Rentoulis, Trading Brains Experience. Fri 12/27, A Day Without, Fuse, Don’t Forget the Nuggets. Sat 12/28, Grindbox, Dropmouth, Lifter, Sick Cell. 847-670-8888.
ROCKLAND CAFE 525 Rockland, Lake Bluff: Fri 12/20, 9 PM, Paul Allodi & Steve Roth. 847-295-7140.
SCHUBAS 3159 N. Southport: Fri 12/20, 10 PM, Topaz (see Spot Check), New Math. Sat 12/21, 10 PM, Hushdrops, Tenki, 34 Satellite. Sun 12/22, 8 PM, Stuart Davis, Bree Sharp. Mon 12/23, 8 PM, St. Nicholas Markos’ Christmas Revue. Thu 12/26, 8 PM, Tim Mahoney, Seven Harkey. Fri 12/27 and Sat 12/28, 7:30 PM, Michael McDermott; 10 PM, Waco Brothers, Rex Hobart & the Misery Boys. Sun 12/29, 6 PM, Ari Hest, Ingram Hill (all-ages); 9:30 PM, Wheat, Gaberdine. 773-525-2508.
SHAW’S CRAB HOUSE 21 E. Hubbard: Restaurant with music in the Blue Crab Lounge at 7 PM. Sun 12/22, Jack Straw. 312-527-2722.
SLICE OF CHICAGO 36 S. Northwest Hwy., Palatine: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/20, Stevie Starlight. 847-991-2150.
SMOKE DADDY 1804 W. Division: Sundays, 9:30 PM, Torturing Elvis. Thursdays, 9:30 PM, Urban Hog Wranglers. 773-772-6656.
SNUGGERY SALOON & DINING ROOM Union Station, Canal & Adams: No cover. Thu 12/26, 3:30 PM, Tamara Pierce. 312-441-9334.
STREETSIDE CAFE 3201 W. Armitage: DJs spin 10 PM-2 AM. Sundays, DJs Shaun & Le Deuce. Mondays, Matt Fields. Tuesdays, Mike Kandel. Wednesdays, J. Cantrell. 773-252-9700.
SUBTERRANEAN CAFE & CABARET 2011 W. North: In the upstairs Cabaret Room: Sun 12/22, “X-Mas Jam 3” with Steve-O, Wee Man, Party Boy & others. In the lounge: Fridays and Saturdays, DJs spin Motown, funk, rare groove, hip-hop, and disco. Mondays, 8 PM, acoustic open mike hosted by Ciso Lobo. Tuesdays, 11 PM, DJs Artek, Verb, Norman Rockwell, Mary Jane & D-Double spin at the 606 hip-hop open mike. Wednesdays, DJs David Chavez & Cazwell James spin Latin jazz and house. Thursdays, 10 PM, Bad News Jones. 773-278-6600.
SUPERBOWL 1370 W. North, Melrose Park: Sat 12/28, 7 PM, Amazing Interceptors, PGS, Books on Tape, Summer’s End (benefit for Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center). 708-583-3110.
TINY LOUNGE 1814 W. Addison: Music at 10 PM. Thursdays, Nicholas Barron & Galaxy 5. 773-296-9620.
UNCOMMON GROUND CAFE 1214 W. Grace: Music after 8 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays, 7 PM Sundays and Mondays. Fri 12/20, Guitar Duo Eclectico, Stephanie Morris, Steve Thorngate. Sat 12/21, 6 PM, Rose Polenzani; 8 PM, Rhythm Futur, Linda Lubell. Mondays, open mike hosted by Acousticboy & Larry Silverman. Thu 12/26, Tom Vollman. Fri 12/27, Mike & Amy Finders, Dark Green Bottles. Sat 12/28, Eleni Moraites, Joe Goodkin. Sun 12/29, Eric Lee Saitz, Julie Frost, Michael Strening Jr. 773-929-3680.
UNDERGROUND LOUNGE 952 W. Newport: Music after 10 PM. Fri 12/20, 950. Sat 12/21, Psycho Something. Sundays, DJs spin funk, R&B, and soul. Mondays, DJ Vibe Instigatah. 773-327-2739.
UNDERGROUND WONDER BAR 10 E. Walton: Sundays, 10 PM, Heather Horton Band. Mondays, 2 AM, Steve Kouba. Thursdays, 8 PM, Joe Thomas; 10 PM, Joe Thomas Band; 1 AM, Koko Brunson. 312-266-7761.
VAUGHAN’S PUB 2917 N. Sheffield: No cover. Tuesdays, 9:30 PM, open jam with Anto & Tony C. 773-281-8188.
VISION 640 N. Dearborn: Music after 9 PM. Tue 12/24, 8 PM, Retro Eve 2002 with Afrodisiacs & others. 312-266-2114.
WEBSTER WINE BAR 1480 W. Webster: No cover. Mondays, 10 PM, Sticky Lupree. 773-868-0608.
WEEDS 1555 N. Dayton: Music at 9 PM; no cover. Saturdays, open mike. 312-943-7815.
WILD HARE 3530 N. Clark: Reggae and Afro-Caribbean music nightly at 9:30 PM. Fri 12/20, Flex Crew. Sat 12/21 and Sundays, Gizzae. Mondays, Blue Groove Lounge with Juice & Dirty. Tuesdays, Devon Brown, Dub Dis. Wednesdays, 10 PM-2 AM, DJ Cojo B spins dancehall. Thu 12/26, DJ Ice. Fri 12/27, RSB, Baaro. Sat 12/28, Outlaws, Dub Dis. 773-327-4273.
WISE FOOLS PUB 2270 N. Lincoln: Music at 10 PM on weekends, 9 PM on weeknights. Fri 12/20, Starrunner, Soul Shakedown. Sat 12/21, Broken Glass, One-Eyed Show, Ghosts of Angola. Thu 12/26 and Fri 12/27, Hello Dave, Ingram Hill. Sat 12/28, Sharks, Downcast. 773-929-1300.
dance
ARTFUL DODGER 1734 W. Wabansia: DJs spin music for dancing after 10 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays and Mondays. Fridays, DJ Dujuan. 773-227-6859.
BABALU 1645 W. Jackson: DJs spin merengue, bachata, house, and disco 9 PM-5 AM Saturdays. 312-733-3512.
BAR THIRTEEN 1944 W. Division: DJs spin 10 PM-2 AM Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 PM-3 AM Saturdays, and 8 PM-2 AM Sundays. Fridays, DJ Mig. Saturdays, DJ Dave Britton. Sundays, DJs Shon Dervis & A+ spin downtempo house, Latin, and rare groove. Wednesdays, DJ Red Lox. Thursdays, DJ Hello Kitty. 773-394-1313.
BAR 3 2138 N. Halsted: DJs spin acid jazz, funk, Afrobeat, house, two-step, and soul 9 PM-2 AM Thursdays through Saturdays. Wednesdays, 7 PM, poetry open mike with music by Bemaji. 773-348-3665.
BERLIN 954 W. Belmont: Fridays, 10 PM-4 AM, DJ Greg Haus spins trance, progressive, hard house, and breakbeat. Saturdays, 10 PM-5 AM, DJs Christopher Robin, John Jackson & Greg Haus spin trans-Euro groove. Mondays, 10 PM, DJ Boa spins synthpop, hardwave, and retro. Tuesdays, 11 PM-4 AM, DJ Ralphi Rosario spins deep house. Wednesdays, 10 PM, DJ Larissa, DJ Ruslan. 773-348-4975.
BETTY’S BLUE STAR LOUNGE 1600 W. Grand: DJs spin after 9 PM. Fri 12/20, DJ Motion, Sean Michaels, Steve Melvage. Saturdays and Wed 12/25, Martin “Boogieman” Luna, DJ Spin. Mondays, DJs Brian G. & BJAK. Tuesdays, DJ Mel Hammond spins house. 312-243-1699.
BIG WIG 1551 W. Division: DJs spin 8 PM-2 AM Tuesdays through Sundays (until 3 AM Saturdays); no cover. Sat 12/21, Lady D. Sundays, DJ Uncle Milty spins house, hip-hop, and R&B. Wednesdays, Hard Candy with DJ Chris Gin. Thursdays, Synesthesia with live electro, techno, and IDM and DJs Tobias & Chris May. Sat 12/28, DJ Lego. 773-235-9100.
BIOLOGY BAR 1516 N. Fremont: DJs spin 9 PM-4 AM Wednesdays through Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Fridays, Twilite Tone, Mike Love, DJ Word. 312-266-1234.
BLONDE 820 W. Lake: DJs spin 9 PM-2 AM nightly (until 3 AM Saturdays). Fridays, DJ Mario. 312-226-4500.
BUNGALOW LOUNGEBAR 1622 W. Belmont: DJs spin downtempo, trip-hop, acid jazz & more. Fridays, 9 PM-2 AM, Architektur. Saturdays, 10 PM-3 AM, Andre Shakom. 773-244-0400.
BUZZ CLUB 308 W. Erie: DJs spin until 5 AM Saturdays, until 4 AM Sundays through Thursdays. 312-475-9800.
CACTUS CLUB 1112 N. State: Fridays, 9 PM-2 AM, and Saturdays, 9 PM-3 AM, DJ Kidd. 312-642-5999.
CAFE LURA 3184 N. Milwaukee: Thursdays, 9 PM-2 AM, DJs MF, Regge, Lamebrane & Radiata spin drum & bass. 773-736-3033.
CHERRY RED 2833 N. Sheffield: DJs spin after 10 PM. Fridays, DJ Eddie spins hip-hop. Saturdays, DJ Freddie O spins hip-hop and house until 3 AM. Sundays, DJs Eddie & Freddie O. Thursdays, DJ Izzi (no cover). 773-477-3661.
CHROMIUM 817 W. Lake: DJs spin after 9 PM. Fridays, DJs spin progressive house. Saturdays, DJs spin salsa, merengue, house, and hip-hop. 312-666-8106.
CIRCUIT NIGHTCLUB AND REHAB LOUNGE 3641 N. Halsted: DJs spin after 9 PM. Saturdays, DJ Hugo, DJ Lulu. Sundays, 7 PM, Latin T-Dance hosted by Veronica Zaid, DJs Kid Romeo, Alex Perez & El Prieto. Mondays, Disco Bingo hosted by Bianca Bleu. Tuesdays, 10 PM, karaoke with VJ Kevy B. Wednesdays, DJ Jungle Jorge spins salsa and Latin house. Thursdays, 11 PM, Miss Ketty & Her Latina Review, DJ El Prieto. 773-325-2233.
CIRCUS 901 W. Weed: DJs spin 6 PM-2 AM Tuesdays through Fridays, 6 PM-3 AM Saturdays; members of the World Famous Flying Wallendas perform circus acts on weekends. 312-266-1200.
CLUB MERCURY 221 W. Van Buren: Restaurant and nightclub; DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Saturdays, DJs spin hip-hop and R&B. 312-427-1774.
CLUB 720 720 N. Wells: DJs spin Latin & Caribbean, hip-hop, and house 9 PM-4 AM Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 PM-5 AM Saturdays. 312-397-0600.
CLYBAR 2417 N. Clybourn: DJs spin after 9 PM; no cover. Sundays, Family Chicago DJs spin house. Thursdays, DJs spin soul and funk. 773-388-1877.
COCKTAIL 3359 N. Halsted: DJs spin in the bar after 9 PM. Fridays, Freddie Bain. Saturdays, DJ Daniel Tsunami, DJeremy. Tuesdays, Michael Serafini. Thursdays, Timmy Loop. 773-477-1420.
COPA 1637 N. Clybourn: DJs spin after 10 PM. Fridays, DJ Tim Bogosian spins hip-hop and house. Saturdays, guest DJs spin until 3 AM. Thursdays, Ken Sumka spins rock, pop, and alternative. 312-642-3449.
CROBAR THE NIGHTCLUB 1543 N. Kingsbury: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM Fridays and Sundays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Fri 12/20, Felix Da Housecat, Pat Parsons, Jes One, Alex Peace, Mark Almaria, Mike Hawk. Sat 12/21, DJs Dave Reality, Mike Fritz, Agent 47, Curt Caris, Jimmie Page & Dan EFEX. Sun 12/22, David Knapp, Greg Drescher. 312-337-5001.
DANTE’S 1200 W. Hubbard: DJs spin after 10:30 PM; no cover. Saturdays, DJ Sean Madness. Thursdays, DJ Bobby Too Fresh. 312-243-9350.
DIG 1551 N. Sheffield: DJs spin 10 PM-2 AM Fridays and Saturdays. 312-377-1727.
DRAGON ROOM 809 W. Evergreen: DJs spin on three levels 10 PM-4 AM Thursdays and Fridays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Thursdays, DJs Paul Blair & Greg Norwood. 312-751-2900.
DRAGONFLY 1206 N. State: DJs spin after 10 PM Fridays through Sundays and Wednesdays. Sundays, DJ Chris Gin. Wednesdays, DJ Splinter. 312-204-9991.
ENCORE 171 W. Randolph: DJs spin after 7 PM Tuesdays through Fridays. 312-338-3788.
EXCALIBUR 632 N. Dearborn: In the Cabaret Room: DJs spin 5 PM-4 AM nightly (until 5 AM Saturdays). Wednesdays through Saturdays, Slim, Katfish, Zanman, Pat Mann & Spankie. Mondays, Pat Mann & Slim. Tuesdays, Double J. In Club X: Thursdays, 9 PM-4 AM, Jesus Enriquez y Su Orquesta; DJ Juan Carlos spins salsa & merengue. 312-266-1944.
GAMEKEEPERS 345 W. Armitage: Music after 10 PM. Thursdays, DJ Slowe spins 80s synth wave, alternative, gothic, and industrial dance. 773-549-0400.
GET ME HIGH LOUNGE 1758 N. Honore: DJs spin 7 PM-2 AM Mondays through Fridays, 7 PM-3 AM Saturdays, and 8 PM-2 AM Sundays. 773-252-4090.
GLOW 1615 N. Clybourn: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM Sundays and Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Wednesdays, Can Can DJs Flipside, Wayne Williams, Vince Lawrence & Cedric. 312-587-8469.
GREEN DOLPHIN STREET 2200 N. Ashland: Fridays and Saturdays, midnight-4 AM, B Side DJs spin rare groove, jazz, mambo, Cuban, funk & soul (no cover). 773-395-0066.
HOLLYWOOD EAST 5650 N. Broadway: Fridays, 9:30 PM, DJs spin house. 773-271-4711.
HOUSE OF BLUES 329 N. Dearborn: Mon 12/23, 10 PM, Tyme’s anniversary bash (18 & over). Wed 12/25, 10 PM, Christmas Groove DJs spin (18 & over). 312-923-2000.
HOUSE OF BLUES HOTEL 333 N. Dearborn: Music in the Kaz Bar at 10 PM. Sat 12/21, DJ Adrienne Sanchez spins house. Thu 12/26, Tempo & DJ Rhythm. Fri 12/27, DJ Todd Richman. 312-245-0333.
ICE BAR 738 N. Clark: DJs spin 9 PM-2 AM nightly. Wednesdays, DJs Johnny Chaos, Agent 47 & Marcel. 312-440-8841.
INNJOY 2051 W. Division: Music from 9 PM-2 AM nightly (until 3 AM Saturdays). Fridays, DJ Evan Coleman. Sundays, Magellan’s Sphere. Tuesdays, DJ Brock spins 80s electronica & Britpop. Thursdays, DJs spin jazz. 773-394-2066.
JEFFERY PUB 7041 S. Jeffery: Wednesdays, 9 PM, Leonard “Remix” Rroy, Sean Smith, DJ V-Rod, Leonard Part Sixx. 773-363-8555.
JILLY’S RETRO CLUB 1009 N. Rush: DJs play dance music of the 70s and 80s after 8 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays. 312-664-1001.
JOHN BARLEYCORN 3524 N. Clark: DJs spin after 10 PM upstairs. Fridays, DJ Ben. Saturdays, DJs Frique & AM/PM. Thursdays, DJs Flipside & Louie Louie. 773-549-6000.
JOY-BLUE 3998 N. Southport: DJs spin house, disco, funk, hip-hop, and techno after 10 PM Thursdays through Saturdays. Fridays, DJ Izzi. Saturdays, Croatian Sensations. Thursdays, DJ Prado. 773-477-3330.
KATACOMB 1909 N. Lincoln: DJs spin hip-hop, funk, soul, and R&B 9 PM-4 AM Wednesdays through Fridays, 9 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Fridays and Saturdays, DJs Brent, Jig & Ryan. Wednesdays, DJ Ffar spins house. 773-230-3333.
KUSTOM 1997 N. Clybourn: DJs spin 9 PM-2 AM Thursdays and Fridays, 9 PM-3 AM Saturdays. 773-528-3400.
LAVA LOUNGE 859 N. Damen: DJs spin 10 PM-2 AM nightly (until 3 AM Saturdays). Fridays, Moa Anbessa Sound System with General Jah Son, Marcus Iya & Rankin’ Stranjah. Saturdays, DJs Brian G., Brenda D. & Nick Santillan spin house. Mondays, DJ Greg Shirilla. Tuesdays, DJ Red Lox spins reggae. Wednesdays, DJ Hook Dick spins rock. Thursdays, DJs Shon Dervis & Precyse spin hip-hop. 773-772-3355.
LEADWAY 5233 N. Damen: No cover. Tuesdays, 9:30 PM, DJs Rotten Milk & Bosco spin electronic, experimental, and IDM. 773-728-2663.
MANHATTAN’S 415 S. Dearborn: Bar & lounge. Fridays, 9 PM, and Saturdays, 9:30 PM, DJ Teflan and DJ Low Key spin hip-hop and house. 312-957-0460.
MANHOLE 3458 N. Halsted: DJs spin until 4 AM nightly (until 5 AM Saturdays). 773-975-9244.
MICHAEL’S JAZZ BISTRO 530 Crescent, Glen Ellyn: Sundays, 9 PM, DJ Roger Chavez/Suspect 86 spins trance. 630-446-4001.
MINX 111 W. Hubbard: Tue 12/24, 10 PM-2 AM, DJ Frank Q. Wednesdays, 9 PM-2 AM, DJs Bear Who? & Majid. 312-828-9000.
MYSTIQUE 157 W. Ontario: DJs spin after 10 PM. Saturdays, DJs World & Flipside. Sundays, DJs John Styles & Cache 22. Wednesdays, DJs Pharris, Mike Love & Phantom. 312-642-2582.
NEO 2350 N. Clark: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM nightly (until 5 AM Saturdays). Fridays, Rob Kokot spins synthpop and electro industrial. Saturdays, DJ $#&@! spins industrial. Sun 12/22, DJs Gill & Waxy. Wednesdays, Jeff Moyer spins electronic dance. Thursdays, Dave Roberts spins new wave. 773-528-2622.
THE NEW SOUND 7407 W. Madison, Forest Park: Saturdays, 10:30 PM-3 AM, DeeJay Intel One spins hip-hop, downtempo, and drum ‘n’ bass (no cover). 708-771-3060.
NINE 440 W. Randolph: DJs spin nightly in the Ghost Bar until 2 AM. 312-575-9900.
NOCTURNAL 1111 W. Lake: DJs spin 9 PM-2 AM Thursdays and Fridays, 9 PM-3 AM Saturdays. Saturdays, DJs DVS & Billy the Kid spin Euro, progressive, house, and trance. 312-491-1931.
THE ORIGINAL MOTHER’S 26 W. Division: DJ Joe spins pop, hip-hop, and house 8 PM-4 AM Sundays and Tuesdays through Fridays, 8 PM-5 AM Saturdays. 312-642-7251 or 312-642-7252.
OTTO’S 118 E. Lincoln, De Kalb: Music at 10 PM. Sat 12/21, DJs Justin Long, Emac, Jason Middle, Zero K & Sushi (18 & over). 815-758-2715.
LE PASSAGE 1 Oak Place: DJs spin 10:30 PM-4 AM Wednesdays through Fridays, 10:30 PM-5 AM Saturdays. 312-255-0022.
THE (PROP) HOUSE 1675 N. Elston: DJs spin 11 PM-4 AM Fridays and Sundays, 11 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Fridays, DJs spin hip-hop and reggae. Saturdays, DJs Mike Dunn, Tony T., Phantom, Sam Silk & others spin deep house. Sundays, DJ Mike Love. 773-486-2390.
RED DOG 1958 W. North: DJs spin funk, house, and dance music 10 PM-4 AM Fridays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Saturdays, DJs Twilite Tone, 33-1/3 & Steve Bravo. Mondays, DJs Mark Grant, Lego & Dave Britton. 773-278-1009.
REDNOFIVE & FIFTH FLOOR 440 N. Halsted: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM Sundays and Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. 312-733-6699.
REUNION 811 W. Lake: Resident DJ Matt Warren and guests spin after 8 PM; no cover before 9 PM. 312-491-9600.
SAUCE 1750 N. Clark: Restaurant. Thursdays, 10 PM, DJ Abell spins house (no cover). 312-932-1750.
SEANCHAI 2345 W. Belmont: Music at 10 PM. Mondays, DJs Paul Norman, Mista Mashup & Liquid G-Zus. 773-549-4444.
SINIBAR 1540 N. Milwaukee: DJs spin 8 PM-2 AM. Fridays, DJs Tone B. Nimble & Mark Fullaflava spin rare groove, DJ JR spins hip-hop. Saturdays, DJ Tone B. Nimble spins hip-hop. Sundays, DJ Mark Fullaflava spins breakbeat, disco, hip-hop, jazz & soul. Mondays, DJs Felix & the Mad Thinker spin house. Tuesdays, DJ Eddie “Moskito” Cruz spins salsa, boogaloo, merengue & samba. Wednesdays, DJs spin hip-hop. Thursdays, DJ BJAK spins electro, house, disco, R&B, and hip-hop. 773-278-7797.
SMART BAR 3730 N. Clark: DJs spin nightly after 10 PM. Fri 12/20, DJ Harvey, Brad Owen. Sat 12/21, John Acquaviva (see Critic’s Choice). Sundays, DJs Erin & Abbie. Mondays, iPod open DJ night (no cover). Tuesdays, DJ Scary Lady Sarah spins ethereal, goth, and electro. Thu 12/26, Steve “Silk” Hurley, JM3, DJ Hassan. Fri 12/27, Johnny Fiasco, Nick Nice. Sat 12/28, Miles Maeda, Hrme. 773-549-4140.
SOUND-BAR 226 W. Ontario: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM Thursdays and Fridays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. 312-787-4480.
SPIN 800 W. Belmont: DJs spin after 10 PM. Fridays, DJ Timmy Loop & VJ Terp (no cover). Saturdays, DJ Jungle Jorge & VJ Nickole. Sundays, VJ Steven Farias. Mondays, VJ Tyrone (no cover). Tuesdays, VJ Tech-Nick (no cover). Wednesdays, DJ Freddie Bain & VJ Ken. Thursdays, Best of the 80s with DJ Julian & VJ Steven Farias (no cover). 773-327-7711.
SPY BAR 646 N. Franklin: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM Tuesdays through Fridays and Sundays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Fridays, DJs Jason Davis & Tempo spin house and hip-hop. Saturdays, DJ Andrew Vonn spins house and hip-hop. Sundays, DJ Scary Lady Sarah. Tuesdays, DJ Andrew Vonn spins metal. Thursdays, DJs Andre Harris & Martin “Boogieman” Luna spin house. 312-587-8779.
STEVIE B’S 1401 N. Ashland: Fri 12/20, 10 PM, Sagittarius Groove with JGreen & DJ Chuck Esco (no cover). 773-486-7427.
STREETSIDE CAFE 3201 W. Armitage: DJs spin 10 PM-2 AM. Fridays, DJ Michael Lacey spins deep house. 773-252-9700.
SWANK 710 N. Wells: DJs spin 8 PM-2 AM Mondays through Fridays, 8 PM-3 AM Saturdays; no cover. Mondays, DJ Slowe spins 80s synth wave, alternative, gothic & industrial dance. Wednesdays, Johnny Chaos. 312-274-9500.
TEN56 1056 N. Damen: DJs spin nightly after 10 PM. Fridays, DJ Karlito. Saturdays, Refried Beats with Mass Transit, Spinello, and J-biz. Wednesdays, DJ Mass Transit spins soul & hip-hop. Thursdays, DJ Dan. 773-227-4906.
TRACE 3714 N. Clark: Wednesdays, 10 PM-2 AM, DJ Real One, Jackin’ Jamie & Skor spin house, disco & and breaks (no cover). 773-477-3400.
TRANSIT 1431 W. Lake: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM Thursdays and Fridays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Fridays, DJs spin salsa and merengue. Saturdays, DJs
Martin “Boogieman” Luna, Jernell Geronimo & Uncle Milty. 312-491-9729.
VISION 640 N. Dearborn: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM nightly (until 5 AM Saturdays). Sat 12/21, Chris Liberator, Guy Ornadel, Alex Peace, DJ Laura B. Tue 12/24, 8 PM, Retro Eve 2002 with Afrodisiacs & others. 312-266-2114.
VOODOO NIGHTCLUB 601 Mall, Schaumburg: DJs spin “high energy dance music” after 7 PM Tuesdays through Fridays and after 9 PM Saturdays. 847-969-1602.
WHITE STAR 225 W. Ontario: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM Thursdays through Saturdays. Fridays, DJs Structure & Theory. Saturdays, DJs Mike Z & Mach 1 spin progressive house, trance, hip-hop & R&B. Thursdays, DJs Shaka 23 & Whyteout spin house. 312-440-3223.
XIPPO 3759 N. Damen: DJs spin 9 PM-2 AM. Fridays and Saturdays, DJ French Toast. 773-529-9135.
ZENTRA 923 W. Weed: DJs spin 10 PM-4 AM Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, 10 PM-5 AM Saturdays. Fri 12/20, David Alvarado & Lego, Julian Jumpin’ Perez. Sat 12/21, John Selway, Mateo Murphy, Dave Siska. Thu 12/26, Goldie, DJ Glyde, Ry-n, DJ Basic. Fri 12/27, Pete Moss & James Curd. Sat 12/28, Scott Henry, Sandra Collins, Mark Grant, Andre Harris, School & Sheffield. 312-787-0400.
ZERO GRAVITY 22 W. 613 75th, Naperville: DJs spin 8 PM-4 AM Fridays and Saturdays. 630-985-1111.
folk & country
concerts
BOHOLA & FRIENDS, MALACHY McCOURT perform “An Irish Christmas.” Sat 12/21, 7:30 PM, Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. 773-728-6000.
LARRY GATLIN & THE GATLIN BROTHERS Christmas concert. Fri 12/20, 8 PM, Hemmens Auditorium, 150 Dexter, Elgin. 847-931-5900.
PETER HUTTLINGER Mon 12/23, 8 PM, Woodstock Opera House, 121 Van Buren, Woodstock. 815-338-5300.
JOE JENCKS, J.W. RICE & CARRIE BIEL Sat 12/21, 8 PM, Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean, Woodstock. 815-338-5164.
OAK RIDGE BOYS Christmas concert. Sun 12/22, 4 PM, Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 and U.S. 30, Merrillville, Indiana. 773-734-7266 or 312-559-1212.
OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG Free concert. Fri 12/20, 12:15 PM, Randolph Cafe, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. 312-744-6630.
GEORGE WINSTON Sat 12/21, 8 PM, Center for Performing Arts, Governors State University, Governors Hwy. and Stuenkel Rd., University Park. 708-235-2222.
folk & country
clubs
ABBEY PUB 3420 W. Grace: Music at 8 PM. Sundays, Irish session. Mondays, Chicago Barn Dance Company. Tuesdays, open stage. 773-478-4408.
CADILLAC RANCH 1175 W. Lake, Bartlett: Country dance lessons and DJs at 7:30 PM. Fridays, Saturdays, and Tuesdays, DJ Sux. Sundays, Big John. Mondays, DJ Pat B. 630-830-7200.
CAROL’S PUB 4659 N. Clark: Country music at 9 PM. Fridays and Saturdays, Diamondback. Sundays, open jam with Diamondback. 773-334-2402.
CARRAIG Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th, Oak Forest: No cover. Fri 12/20, 9:30 PM, Napper Tandy. Sat 12/21, 10 PM, Dalriada. Fri 12/27, 9:30 PM, Dalriada. Sat 12/28, 10 PM, Three Men in Kilts. 708-687-9323.
CELTIC CROSSINGS 751 N. Clark: Music after 9 PM. Sundays, 6 PM, Irish session. 312-337-1005.
CHIEF O’NEILL’S PUB 3471 N. Elston: Bar and restaurant with music at 10 PM on weekends. Sundays, 4-8 PM, and Tuesdays, 8-11 PM, traditional Irish session. 773-473-5263.
DURTY NELLIE’S 55 N. Bothwell, Palatine: Fri 12/20 and Sat 12/21, 10 PM, and Sun 12/22, 8:30 PM, Whitey O’Day. 847-358-9150.
EDGEWATER LOUNGE 5600 N. Ashland: Thursdays, 9 PM, traditional Irish session (no cover). 773-878-3343.
EMPTY BOTTLE 1035 N. Western: Fridays, 5:30 PM, Hoyle Brothers. 773-276-3600.
FIFTH PROVINCE PUB Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox: Music after 9 PM. Fri 12/20, Dyed in the Wool. Sat 12/21, David Dunne & Blackwater. Fri 12/27, Paddy Go Easy. Sat 12/28, Velvet Green. 773-282-7035.
FITZERS PUB Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel, 166 E. Superior: Sundays, 4 PM, Anish. Thursdays, 6 PM, Morgan. 312-787-6000.
FOLK-LORE CENTER & ACORN COFFEE BAR 29 W 140 Butterfield, Warrenville: Music at 8 PM. Fri 12/20, Christmas and winter solstice holiday concert with Phil Cooper, Margaret Nelson, Kate Early, and Susan Urban. 630-393-1247.
GALLERY CABARET 2020 N. Oakley: Music at 10 PM on weekends, 9 PM on weeknights. Sundays, open mike hosted by Fred. 773-489-5471.
HACKNEY’S 1514 E. Lake, Glenview: Music at 7 PM; no cover. Wednesdays, Whitey O’Day. 847-724-7171.
HEALY’S WESTSIDE 7217 W. Madison, Forest Park: Sat 12/28, 9:30 PM, Dooleys. 708-366-4277.
HIDDEN SHAMROCK 2723 N. Halsted: Sundays, 3-6 PM, traditional Irish session. 773-883-0304.
INNER TOWN PUB 1935 W. Thomas: Sundays, 9 PM, and Thursdays, 10 PM, open mike. 773-235-9795.
IRISH EYES 2519 N. Lincoln: Sundays, Irish and American traditional, folk, and country open stage hosted by Eamonn Knuff (sign-up at 9 PM; no cover). 773-348-9548.
KERRY PIPER 7900 Joliet, Willowbrook: Music at 9 PM. Thursdays, open mike hosted by Kelly Griner. 630-325-3732.
MARTYRS’ 3855 N. Lincoln: Thu 12/26, 9:30 PM, 6th annual St. Stephen’s Day Celtic concert with Martin Dowling, Christine Dowling, Clodagh Ryan, Sean Ryan & Jim DeWan. 773-404-9494.
NO EXIT 6970 N. Glenwood: Sat 12/21, 8 PM, Minna Bromberg. 773-743-3355.
PEGGY KINNANE’S 8 N. Vail, Arlington Heights: Irish pub and restaurant with popular and traditional music at 9:15 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays, 1-4 PM, traditional Irish session (no cover). 847-577-7733.
QUENCHERS SALOON 2401 N. Western: Tue 12/24, 8:30 PM, Billy J. Ivers & the Lonesome City Bluegrass Band. Sat 12/28, 9 PM, Sag Valley Boys. 773-276-9730.
RED LINE TAP 7006 N. Glenwood: Tuesdays, 8 PM, Michelle Perry & the Cold Cold Hearts. 773-274-3239.
SCHUBAS 3159 N. Southport: Sat 12/21, 7 PM, Fitz & the Celts. 773-525-2508.
SEANCHAI 2345 W. Belmont: Sundays, 10 PM, Chicago Rovers. 773-549-4444.
TWO WAY STREET COFFEE HOUSE 1047 Curtiss, Downers Grove: Music at 8:45 PM. Fri 12/20, Jones Family Christmas show. Fri 12/27, Pete Norman. 630-969-9720.
UNCOMMON GROUND CAFE 1214 W. Grace: Music after 8 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays, 7 PM Sundays and Mondays. Sun 12/22, Erich Specht, Barb Ryman, Mark Buerschaper. 773-929-3680.
blues, gospel, r&b
concerts
GOSPEL OPEN MIKE hosted by Dr. Groove. Sat 12/21, 3 PM, Room at the Cross Church, 1432 W. 87th. 773-881-8883.
DEBORAH ROSS Free concert. Mon 12/23, noon, Chicago Music Mart, DePaul Center, 333 S. State. 312-362-6700.
MELVIN SPARKS Free in-store performance. Sat 12/21, 3 PM, Jazz Record Mart, 444 N. Wabash. 312-222-1467.
blues, gospel, r&b
clubs
AJ’S HORSE AROUND LOUNGE 114 W. Washington, Round Lake Park: Wednesdays, 7:30 PM, Housewreckin’ Blues Jam with Mike Landers, King Robinson, Bruce Williams, Jeff Blum & Marty Willis. 847-546-3314.
ANDY’S 11 E. Hubbard: Bar and restaurant. Fri 12/20, 9 PM, Katherine Davis Group. Fri 12/27, 9 PM, Ken Saydak Blues Show. 312-642-6805.
ARTIS’S 1249 E. 87th: Music after 9 PM. Sundays, J.W. Williams & the Chi-Town Hustlers. Mondays, Billy Branch & the Sons of Blues. 773-734-0491.
AVENUE ALE HOUSE 825 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park: Sat 12/21, 10 PM, Pat Hall & the Fat Guys. 708-848-2801.
BARN OF BARRINGTON 1415 S. Barrington Rd., Barrington: Music at 9 PM. Sat 12/21, Barrelhouse Chuck. 847-381-8585.
BLUE CHICAGO 736 N. Clark: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/20 and Sat 12/21, Eddy Clearwater Band. Mondays, Big Time Sarah & the BTS Express. Thursdays, Willie Kent & the Gents with Patricia Scott. Fri 12/27 and Sat 12/28, Maurice John Vaughn Band with Grana Louise. 312-642-6261.
BLUE CHICAGO ON CLARK 536 N. Clark: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/20 and Sat 12/21, John Primer Band with Shirley Johnson. Sundays and Thursdays, Johnny B. Moore Band with Shirley Johnson. Fri 12/27 and Sat 12/28, Johnny B. Moore Band. 312-661-0100.
BLUE CHICAGO STORE 534 N. Clark: Saturdays, 8 PM, Gloria Shannon Band. 312-661-1003.
B.L.U.E.S. 2519 N. Halsted: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/20, benefit for Children’s Memorial Hospital with Del Brown, Jimmy Burns. Sat 12/21, Howard Scott & the World Band with Little Johnny Johnson. Sun 12/22, Liz Mandville Greeson & the Blue Points. Mon 12/23, Willie Kent & the Gents with Bonnie Lee. Tue 12/24, Joe Barr & Soul Purpose. Wed 12/25, Frank Pellegrino Blues Band with James Wheeler. Thu 12/26, Michael Coleman & the Backbreakers. Fri 12/27, Vance Kelly & the Backstreet Blues Band. 773-528-1012.
BOULEVARD CAFE 3137 W. Logan: Music at 10 PM. Sat 12/21, Melvin Sparks. 773-384-8600.
BUDDY GUY’S LEGENDS 754 S. Wabash: Bar and restaurant with music at 9:30 PM. Fri 12/20, 5:30 PM, Diamond Jim Greene; 9:30 PM, James Solberg, Stan Skibby & Love Souldiers. Sat 12/21, 6 PM, John Primer; 9:30 PM, Otis Rush, Big James & the Chicago Playboys. Sun 12/22, Jimmy Burns. Mon 12/23, jam hosted by Toronzo. Thu 12/26, Joanna Connor. Fri 12/27, 5:30 PM, Nick Moss; 9:30 PM, Phil Guy, Big James & the Chicago Playboys. Sat 12/28, 6 PM, Jon McDonald; 9:30 PM, Charlie Love, Toronzo & the Cannonball Express. Sun 12/29, Vino Louden. 312-427-0333.
CAFE PENELOPE 230 S. Ashland: Mon 12/23, 8 PM, Pat Smillie Band (no cover). 312-243-3600.
CALIFORNIA CLIPPER 1002 N. California: Music after 10 PM; no cover. Fri 12/27, Tom Holland & the Shuffle Kings. 773-384-2547.
CARMICHAEL’S CHICAGO STEAK HOUSE 1052 W. Monroe: Tuesdays through Thursdays, 5:30 PM, Dan Gillogly. 312-433-0025.
CARTON’S LOUNGE 21 E. Chestnut: Fridays, midnight, Bobby Holiday. 312-664-5512.
CHECKERBOARD LOUNGE 423 E. 43rd: Music after 9:30 PM. Fri 12/20 and Sat 12/21, Willie White Blues Band. Sundays and Thursdays, Vance Kelly & the Backstreet Blues Band. 773-624-3240.
CHICO MORAN’S 35260 Wilson, Ingleside: Mondays, 7:30 PM, open jam hosted by Bruce Williams with Bobby Wolf, Sonny Sloan & Jeff Blum. 847-587-8081.
CHORD ON BLUES 106 S. First, Saint Charles: Music at 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays. Fri 12/20, Chicago Red Hots. Sat 12/21, Groove Hogs. Fri 12/27, Howard & the White Boys. Sat 12/28, Lonnie Brooks. 630-513-0074.
CLUB ALPHONSE 1351 S. Michigan: Wednesdays, 8 PM, Jimmy Pryor & the Double J Band with Killer Ray & Crumar. 312-697-0975.
CLUB MALCOLM 744 E. 83rd: Thursdays, 8 PM, L.V. Banks & His Swinging Blues Band. 773-723-1600.
CRAB STREET SALOON 1061 W. Madison: Thursdays, 7:30 PM, open mike with Over Easy. 312-433-0013.
DUKE O’BRIEN’S 110 N. Main, Crystal Lake: Music at 10 PM. Sat 12/21, Howard & the White Boys. 815-356-9980.
DURTY NELLIE’S 55 N. Bothwell, Palatine: Fri 12/20, 10 PM, Howard & the White Boys. 847-358-9150.
FANTASY LOUNGE 4400 N. Elston: Live bands play after 9:30 PM on Fridays and 10 PM on Saturdays. Sat 12/21 and Fri 12/27, Liberty Blues Band. Tuesdays, 9 PM, open jam with Liberty Blues Band. Thursdays, 9 PM, open jam with Madman Blues Band. Sat 12/28, Sugar Line Blues Band. 773-685-8083.
FATMAN INN 36309 N. Highway 41, Gurnee: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 PM, Barrelhouse Chuck. 847-244-8300.
FITZGERALD’S 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn: Sat 12/21, 9:30 PM, Siegel-Schwall Band. Sun 12/22, 8 PM, Professor John (Professor Longhair tribute). Fri 12/27, 10 PM, Lonnie Brooks Band with Ronnie Baker Brooks. 708-788-2118.
FLAMINGO 6644 S. Cottage Grove: Mondays, 8 PM, Jimmy Pryor & the Double J Band with Killer Ray & Crumar. 773-684-6800.
FOUNDERS HILL BREWING COMPANY 5200 Main, Downers Grove: Thu 12/26, 8:30 PM, Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames. Fri 12/27, 10 PM, Back in Stride. 630-963-2739.
FRANKIE’S BLUE ROOM 16 W. Chicago, Naperville: Music after 9:30 PM on Fridays, 9 PM on Saturdays. Sat 12/21, Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames. Sat 12/28, Lynne Jordan & the Shivers. 630-416-4898.
FUEL 3724 N. Clark: Thursdays, 10 PM, Dave Tamkin (no cover). 773-248-3330.
GALLERY CABARET 2020 N. Oakley: Music at 10 PM on weekends, 9 PM on weeknights. Mon 12/23, Da Blues Guys. Tuesdays, open jam with Fish & the Bluefins. 773-489-5471.
GIOVANNI’S PIZZERIA & SPORTS BAR 1131 Sibley, Dolton: Sundays, 8 PM, Jimmy Pryor & the Double J Band with Killer Ray & Crumar. 708-841-5000.
GOOSE ISLAND BREWERY 3535 N. Clark: No cover. Tuesdays, 9 PM, blues jam with the Matthew Skoller Band. 773-549-9624.
GREEN DOLPHIN STREET 2200 N. Ashland: Fri 12/20, 9:30 and 11:30 PM, Big Fun. Fri 12/27, 9:30 and 11:30 PM, Lynne Jordan & the Shivers. Sat 12/28, 9:30 and 11:30 PM, the Business. 773-395-0066.
GUESS WHO’S WATER HOLE 3800 W. Ohio: Music at 10 PM. Fridays, Johnny B. Moore. 773-638-1240.
HARLEM AVENUE LOUNGE 3701 S. Harlem, Berwyn: Sat 12/21, 9:30 PM, Jimmy Burns Band. Thursdays, 8:30 PM, open jam hosted by Mike Wheeler (no cover). Sat 12/28, 9:30 PM, Big Ray & Chicago’s Most Wanted. 708-484-3610.
HIDEOUT 1354 W. Wabansia: Tuesdays, 10 PM, Devil in a Woodpile. 773-227-4433.
HOUSE OF BLUES BACK PORCH STAGE 329 N. Dearborn: Music at 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30 PM Sundays through Thursdays. Mondays, Joanna Connor. 312-923-2000.
HOUSE OF BLUES HOTEL 333 N. Dearborn: Music in the Kaz Bar at 10 PM. Sat 12/28, Pat Hall & the Fat Guys. 312-245-0333.
KINGSTON MINES 2548 N. Halsted: Music at 9:30 PM. Fri 12/20 and Sat 12/21, Vance Kelly & the Candy Lickin’ Blues Band. Mondays, Lurrie Bell, Marty Sammon Band. Tuesdays, Chris James & Blue Four, Slam Allen. Wednesdays, Jimmy Burns Band, Andre Taylor & the Blues Alley Cats. Thu 12/26, Vino Louden, Charlie Love & the Silky Smooth Band. Fri 12/27 and Sat 12/28, Chris Beard. 773-477-4646.
LADY BLUE 2953 W. Madison: Fridays, 9 PM, Saturdays, 10 PM, and Sundays, 8 PM, Super Percy & His Soul Clique Band with Pamela Zachery. 773-826-0317.
LEE’S UNLEADED BLUES 7401 S. South Chicago: Music after 9 PM Fridays, Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and after 10 PM Saturdays; no cover. Fridays and Saturdays, Johnny Drummer & the Starlighters. Sundays, New Orleans Beau & the Big Easy Band. Mondays, Vance Kelly & the Backstreet Blues Band. Wednesdays, Trimble Quartet. Thursdays, Joe Barr & Soul Purpose. 773-493-3477.
LEO’S DEN COCKTAIL LOUNGE 1200 E. 71st: Tuesdays, 9 PM, New Orleans Beau & the Big Easy Band. 773-667-3130.
MARY’S 501 W. 55th: Sundays, 6 PM-midnight, D.R. Express Band with Danny Reed. 773-846-7374.
MAXWELL STREET UPTOWN POLISH SAUSAGE RESTAURANT 4429 N. Broadway: Saturdays, noon-3 PM, Frank Scott Jr. & friends. 773-989-4569.
MICHAEL’S JAZZ BISTRO 530 Crescent, Glen Ellyn: Fri 12/20, 9 PM, Lindsey Alexander. Sat 12/21, 9:30 PM, Amy Kelly & the Underbelly. Sat 12/28, 9:30 PM, Rockin’ Johnny Band. 630-446-4001.
MY PLACE 5652 Dixie Hwy., Markham: Mondays, 9:30 PM, D.R. Express Band with Danny Reed. 708-225-0178.
NICK’S 1516 N. Milwaukee: Music at 10 PM; no cover. Sat 12/21, Rhythm City. 773-252-1155.
POPS HIGHWOOD 214 Green Bay, Highwood: Music at 8:30 PM. Sat 12/21, Steve Ditzell & Blue Lightning. Fri 12/27, Pat Hall & the Fat Guys. 847-266-1313.
PORTER’S OYSTER BAR & NIGHTCLUB 446 Virginia (Rte. 14), Crystal Lake: Music at 9:30 PM Fridays and Saturdays, 8 PM Wednesdays. Sat 12/21, Sharon Lewis & the Mojo Kings. 815-477-0340.
PUSH RODS 15652 S. Dixie Hwy., Harvey: Thursdays, 10 PM, midnight, and 2 AM, Bob Jamerson & Killer Ray. 708-225-0178.
REDFISH Voodoo Lounge, 400 N. State: Bar and restaurant with music after 9:30 PM; no cover. Fri 12/27, Sharon Lewis & the Mojo Kings. 312-467-1600.
RESERVATION BLUES 1566 N. Milwaukee: Music at 10 PM Fridays through Sundays, 9:30 PM Wednesdays and Thursdays. Fri 12/20, Melvin Taylor & the Slack Band. Sat 12/21, Mississippi Heat. Sundays, 10 PM, jam with Sammy Fender. Fri 12/27, Chicago Blue Angels. Sat 12/28, Vini & the Demons (tribute to Freddie King). 773-645-5200.
ROSA’S LOUNGE 3420 W. Armitage: Music at 9:30 PM Sundays and Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 PM Saturdays. Fri 12/20, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials. Sat 12/21, Billy Branch & the Sons of Blues. Thu 12/26, Eddie Taylor Jr., Ariyo. Fri 12/27, Lurrie Bell. Sat 12/28, Kinsey Report. 773-342-0452.
7313 CLUB 7313 S. Halsted: Music after 9 PM. Fridays, Howard Scott & the World Band. Saturdays, Fred Johnson & the Checkmates with Pee Wee Madison. Thursdays, Jimmy Pryor & the Double J Band with Crumar. 773-723-0592.
SHAW’S CRAB HOUSE 21 E. Hubbard: Restaurant with music in the Blue Crab Lounge at 7 PM. Thu 12/26, Wailin’ Walter. 312-527-2722.
SHAW’S CRAB HOUSE 1900 E. Higgins, Schaumburg: Music in the Red Shell Lounge at 8 PM; no cover. Fri 12/20, Chicago Rhythm & Blues Band. Fri 12/27, Rockin’ Johnny. 847-517-2722.
SLICE OF CHICAGO 36 S. Northwest Hwy., Palatine: Music at 9 PM. Sat 12/21, Lindsey Alexander. Fri 12/27, Joanna Connor. Sat 12/28, Vance Kelly & the Backstreet Blues Band. 847-991-2150.
WIDOW McCLEARY’S 400 E. Margaret, Thornton: Sundays, 5 PM, jam session hosted by Little Johnny. 708-877-7011.
jazz
concerts
DOUG BLAKE TRIO Free in-store performance. Fri 12/27, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 49 S. Waukegan, Deerfield. 847-559-1999.
DAVID BOYKIN EXPANSE Free concert. Sat 12/28, 4 PM, Millennium Park, 55 N. Michigan. 312-742-7529.
FREDDY COLE, DA FELLA’S BAND Fri 12/20 and Sat 12/21, 7:30 PM, DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl. 773-947-0600, ext. 236.
HAMID DRAKE & MICHAEL ZERANG 12th annual winter solstice percussion concerts. See Critic’s Choice. Sat 12/21 through Mon 12/23, 6 AM, Link’s Hall Studio, 3435 N. Sheffield. 773-871-5318 or 773-281-0824.
JOHNNY FRIGO Free concert. Fri 12/20, noon, Chicago Music Mart, DePaul Center, 333 S. State. 312-362-6700.
MUSIC FROM THE BASEMENT Free in-store performance. Fri 12/20 and Fri 12/27, 8 PM, Borders Books & Music, 7100 Forest Preserve Dr., Norridge. 708-457-2111.
JUDY ROBERTS Free concert. Fri 12/27, noon, Chicago Water Works Visitor Center, 163 E. Pearson. 877-244-2246.
JIMMY WRIGHT QUARTET Concert and open jam. Sat 12/21, 8 PM, Maywood Park, 921 S. Ninth, Maywood. 708-344-4740.
jazz
clubs
A GROUND ABOVE 2324 E. Rand, Arlington Heights: Sat 12/21, 6:30 PM, Doug Blake. 847-870-9885.
ALLGAUER’S Hilton Northbrook, 2855 Milwaukee, Northbrook: Music at 8 PM; no cover. Fri 12/20 and Sat 12/21, Milt Trenier & Company with Bubba. 847-480-7500.
ANDY’S 11 E. Hubbard: Bar and restaurant. Fri 12/20, noon, Franz Jackson, Wayne Jones, Peter Roothaan, Tom Hope & Dan Delorenzo; 5 PM, Eric Schneider/Greg Fishman Quintet; 9 PM, Denise Thimes Jazz & Blues Show. Sat 12/21, 6 PM, Chante Hamilton Trio; 9:30 PM, Chuck Hedges Swingtet. Sundays, 7 PM, Sam Burckhardt Combo. Mondays, noon, Tom Hope; 5 PM, Chuck Hedges Swingtet; 9 PM, No Am/Pro Jam with Art Davis, Don Stille, John Bany & Charlie Braugham. Thu 12/26, noon, Steven Hashimoto & Pat Fleming; 5 PM, Russ Phillips & the Windy City All-Stars; 9 PM, Mike Smith Quintet. Fri 12/27, noon, Kim Cusack, Bob Neighbor, Tom Hope, Wayne Jones & Rob Amster; 5 PM, Eric Schneider/Greg Fishman Quintet; 9 PM, Denise Thimes Jazz & Blues Show. Sat 12/28, 6 PM, Chante Hamilton Trio; 9:30 PM, Franz Jackson Quintet. 312-642-6805.
ARMY & LOU’S 423 E. 75th: Restaurant. Fridays, 7-10 PM, keyboardist and vocalist Fred Barr & guitarist Toby Wallace. 773-483-3100.
BACINO’S 15256 S. La Grange, Orland Park: Fridays, 8 PM, Ray Bailey Trio. 708-403-1919.
BACKROOM 1007 N. Rush: Music after 9 PM. Sat 12/21, Detour. Sun 12/22, Mon 12/23, and Thu 12/26, Carlos Cannon. Fri 12/27 and Sat 12/28, Nick Colionne. Sun 12/29, Carmen Stokes. 312-751-2433.
BIG HOUSE 2354 N. Clybourn: Upstairs in the show lounge at 9:30 PM: Fri 12/20, Frank D’Rone. Fri 12/27, Johnny Frigo. Sat 12/28, Bob Perna’s Little Big Band. In the cocktail lounge: Fridays, 6:30 PM, and Tuesdays, 7 PM, Audrey Morris. Saturdays, 7 PM, and Wednesdays, 7:30 PM, Buddy Charles. Mondays, 9 PM, Bob Solone. Thursdays, 7:30 PM, Beckie Menzie. 773-435-0130.
BIG JOE’S 1818 W. Foster: No cover. Sundays, 8 PM-midnight, open jam session with Darren Scorza Quartet. 773-784-8755.
BRAXTON SEAFOOD GRILL 3 Oakbrook Center Mall (Rte. 83 & 22nd), Oak Brook: Fri 12/20, 7:30 PM, and Sat 12/21, 8:30 PM, Independence Hall Jazz Band. 630-574-2155.
BRISKU’S BISTRO 4100 N. Kedzie: Wednesdays, 8 PM, Yves Francois E.S. Orchestre Rocamambu. 773-279-9141.
BURKHART STUDIOS 2845 N. Halsted: Music and spoken-word performances at 9 PM on Sunday nights (followed by an open mike). Sun 12/29, Elisa Urtiaga/Suzannah Sosman/Andre Nickow/Dave Johnson/Dylan McKenzie/Ben Haley Quintet. 773-348-8536.
CATCH 35 35 W. Wacker: Piano bar and restaurant. Fridays, 6-9 PM, Libby York. 312-346-3500.
CHAMBERS 6881 N. Milwaukee, Niles: Fri 12/20, 9 PM, Tony Smith Show. Sun 12/22, 5 PM, Judy Roberts & Jackie Allen. Tuesdays, 7 PM, Jack Carr. Wednesdays, 7 PM, Jerry Owings. Thursdays, 6:30 PM, Jack Carr; 9 PM, jazz jam session with John Bany, Charlie Braugham & Don Stille. Sat 12/28, 9 PM, Segue Dance Band. Sun 12/29, 5 PM, Judy Roberts & Greg Fishman. 847-647-8282.
CHARLESTON 2076 N. Hoyne: Sat 12/21, 10 PM, Maralyn Gaza Trio. 773-489-4757.
CHASE CAFE 7301 N. Sheridan: Thursdays, 9 PM, Ted Sirota. 773-743-5650.
CHEF’S STATION 915 Davis, Evanston: Sundays, 11:30 AM-2 PM, Ari Seder/Adam Kraus Duo. 847-570-9838.
CHICAGO FIREHOUSE 1401 S. Michigan: Restaurant. Thursdays through Saturdays, 7 PM, Judy Roberts. 312-786-1401.
CHICAGO PRIME STEAKHOUSE 1370 Bank, Schaumburg: Music in the lounge at 8:30 PM. Thursdays and Fridays, Scott Stenten Duo. Saturdays, Dave Simone Trio. 847-969-9900.
CIAO BELLA RISTORANTE 538 Crescent, Glen Ellyn: Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 PM, Toscanellie “Lady T” Marcelain (no cover). 630-469-1080.
CUBBY BEAR 1059 W. Addison: Sun 12/29, 7 and 10 PM, Ronnie Laws & the Incomparable Laws Family. 773-327-1662.
CY’S CRAB HOUSE 3819 N. Ashland: Fridays, 8 PM, Minor Third Quartet. 773-883-8900.
CYRANO’S BISTRO 546 N. Wells: Music at 8:30 PM. Fridays, Bobbi Jordan Trio. Sat 12/21, Jeannie Lambert. 312-467-0546.
EDGEWATER LOUNGE 5600 N. Ashland: Sundays, 3-6 PM, Hot Club of Edgewater Djam. 773-878-3343.
EPITOME 2347 S. Michigan: Thursdays, 6 PM, Charles Matthews (“Mr. Keys”; no cover). 312-326-2300.
FIREPLACE INN 1448 N. Wells: Thursdays, 7 PM, J.J. & the Jazz Masters (no cover). 312-664-5264.
FITZGERALD’S 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn: Sun 12/22, 8 PM, Professor John (Professor Longhair tribute). Thu 12/26, 8 PM, John Burnett Swing Orchestra. Sun 12/29, 6 PM, Chicago Grandstand Big Band with Kelly Cronin. 708-788-2118.
FLY ME TO THE MOON 3400 N. Clark: Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 PM, Yolanda Farina Jazz Ensemble. 773-528-4033.
FOUNDRY 85 Executive Dr., Aurora: Music at Tuesdays through Saturdays upstairs in the Trio Room Martini Bar; no cover. Fri 12/20, 8:30 PM, Alex Martinez’s Latin Experience. Thu 12/26, 7:30 PM, Kelly Brand & Kelly Sill. Fri 12/27, 8:30 PM, Bob Baglione Trio. 630-978-2088.
GATEWAY BAR & GRILL 7545 N. Clark: Music at 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays; no cover. Fri 12/20, Taku Akiyama Quartet. Sat 12/21, Andy Meacham Quartet. Fri 12/27, Juli Wood/John Goldman Two-Horn Band. Sat 12/28, Jazz Solution with Tunia. 773-262-5767.
GREEN DOLPHIN STREET 2200 N. Ashland: Sat 12/21, 9:30 and 11:30 PM, Terisa Griffin. Sun 12/22, 8 PM, Tom Muellner Trio (no cover). Sun 12/29, 8 PM, Juli Wood Quartet (no cover). 773-395-0066.
GREEN MILL 4802 N. Broadway: Fri 12/20, 5 PM, pianist Ben Rudolph (no cover); 9 PM, Mike Jones Trio (see Critic’s Choice); 1:30 AM, Green Mill Quartet (no cover). Sat 12/21, 8 PM, Mike Jones Trio (see Critic’s Choice); midnight, Sabertooth Organ Quartet (no cover). Sun 12/22, 2 PM, Chicago Improvisors Group with Jim Baker, Josh Berman, Tim Daisy, Dave Rempis, Jason Roebke & Freddy Struder; 7 PM, Uptown Poetry Slam with music by Futz; 11 PM, Kimberly Gordon Trio. Mondays, 9 PM, Terry Callier & Beyond. Thursdays, 9 PM, Alan Gresik’s Swing Shift Orchestra. Fri 12/27, 5 PM, pianist Ben Rudolph (no cover); 9 PM, Battle of the Saxes with Von Freeman & Ed Petersen; 1:30 AM, Green Mill Quartet (no cover). Sat 12/28, 8 PM, Battle of the Saxes with Von Freeman & Ed Petersen; midnight, Sabertooth Organ Quartet (no cover). Sun 12/29, 11 PM, Kimberly Gordon Trio. 773-878-5552.
HOTEL INTER-CONTINENTAL 505 N. Michigan: Music in the Salon. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 PM, and Tuesdays through Thursdays, 7 PM, Erin McDougald Ensemble. 312-944-4100.
HOTHOUSE 31 E. Balbo: Mondays, 8 PM, Yoko Noge & Jazz Me Blues (preceded by swing dance lessons at 7 PM). Thu 12/26, 8 PM, Goran Ivanovic & Fareed Haque. 312-362-9707.
HOTTI BISCOTTI 3545 W. Fullerton: Mondays, 7-9 PM, jam session hosted by David Boykin with Mike Reed & Karl E. H. Seigfried. 773-486-4093.
HOUSTON’S 616 N. Rush: Restaurant. Fridays, 5:30-9:30 PM, Jo Ann Daugherty Trio. 312-649-1121.
HUNGRY BRAIN 2319 W. Belmont: Music at 9 PM. Sun 12/22, Josh Abrams/Kent Kessler/Jason Roebke Trio. Sun 12/29, Small Things. 773-935-2118.
JACK’S 3201 N. Halsted: Sundays, 11:30 AM-2 PM, jazz brunch with John Paris & Anthony Brock. 773-244-9191.
JACKSON HARBOR GRILL 6401 S. Lake Shore Dr.: Fridays, 7 and 9 PM, and Sundays, 4 PM, Maggie Brown. 773-794-4408.
JAMADA 241 Lake, Bloomingdale: Thursdays, 7 PM, Airborne (no cover). 630-893-0300.
JAZZ SHOWCASE 59 W. Grand: Music at 9 and 11 PM Fridays and Saturdays; 4, 8, and 10 PM Sundays; 8 and 10 PM Tuesdays through Thursdays. Fri 12/20 through Sun 12/22, Benny Golson Quartet (Sat 12/21 with UNF Big Band & Bunky Green at 8 and 10 PM). Thu 12/26 through Sun 12/29, Henry Johnson Organ Express with Von Freeman. 312-670-2473.
JERICHO COFFEE 2343 E. 71st: Music after 7 PM. Fridays and Sundays, noon, jazz jam session hosted by John Armstrong features musicians from the AFGA Salon Musicians Collective. 773-684-8665.
JOE’S BE-BOP CAFE & JAZZ EMPORIUM Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand: Restaurant. Music after 6 PM. Fridays, Skinny Williams. Saturdays, Bopology. Sundays, Sonny Turner Quintet. Mondays, Kelly Brand. Tuesdays, Ken Chaney. Wednesdays, Ken Saydak Trio. 312-595-5299.
JOY-BLUE 3998 N. Southport: Mondays, 10 PM, Long Count Quartet. 773-477-3330.
KARIZMA 4741 Main, Skokie: Restaurant. Fridays, 6:30 PM, Kelly Sill & John Moulder. 847-674-6163.
KATERINA’S 1920 W. Irving Park: Fri 12/20, 9:30 PM, Carol Kagy Quartet. Sundays, 1 PM, Tim Green/Tim McNamara Trio. Mondays, 8:30 PM, Dennis Carroll, George Fludas, Scott Burns & Jodie Christian/Dan Trudell. Tuesdays, 8 PM, Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan. Thursdays, 9 PM, John Brumbach, Randy Tressler, Matt Ferguson & Mike Raynor. Fri 12/27, 8 PM, pianist Michael Shimkus; 9:30 PM, Hinda Hoffman Quartet. Sat 12/28, 9:30 PM, Juli Wood. 773-348-7592.
LEADWAY 5233 N. Damen: Fridays, 10 PM, Brian Citro Quartet & Poetique. 773-728-2663.
LEO’S DEN COCKTAIL LOUNGE 1200 E. 71st: Sundays, 6-9 PM, jam session with Crosswind (no cover). 773-667-3130.
LEXI’S 1330 W. Madison: Music at 7:30 PM. Fridays, Cecile Savage. Saturdays, Ken Shiokawa Duo. Thursdays, Ken Shiokawa. 312-829-4600.
LUCIANO’S ON RUSH 871 N. Rush: Restaurant and piano bar with music nightly at 7 PM. Sundays and Mondays, Lynette Stawling. Tuesdays, Sami Scott. Wednesdays through Saturdays, Lenny Perrata Trio. 312-266-1414.
MAGNUM’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE 225 W. Ontario: Pianists/vocalists perform after 6 PM Mondays through Saturdays, 5 PM Sundays; no cover. Sundays, Scott Holman. 312-337-8080.
MAGNUM’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE 777 Butterfield, Lombard: Pianists/vocalists perform after 5 PM Fridays through Sundays, 6 PM Mondays through Thursdays. 630-573-1010.
MAGNUM’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE 1701 W. Golf, Rolling Meadows: Pianists/vocalists perform after 5 PM Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6 PM Fridays and Saturdays; no cover. Thursdays through Saturdays, Scott Holman. 847-952-8755.
MELANGE BLUE 2809 Butterfield, Oak Brook: Restaurant and tapas bar. Wednesdays, 8 PM, Raul Timbal y Su Mambo Jazz Band. 630-571-3600.
MICHAEL’S JAZZ BISTRO 530 Crescent, Glen Ellyn: Fri 12/27, 9 PM, Andy Meacham Trio. 630-446-4001.
MR. B’S Ramada Inn, 300 Frontage, Burr Ridge. Fridays, 8 PM, jazz performance workshop (no cover). 630-325-2900.
NEW APARTMENT LOUNGE 504 E. 75th: Tuesdays, 10 PM, open jam with Von Freeman & friends. 773-483-7728.
NO EXIT 6970 N. Glenwood: Sundays, 4 PM, Unusual Pairings hosted by William Perry (Sun 12/22, David Boykin Expanse; Sun 12/29, William Perry’s Explosion Ensemble). 773-743-3355.
NOLA’S 32ND WARD SEAFOOD HOUSE 1856 W. North: Thursdays, 8 PM, Carl Leukaufe Trio. 773-395-4300.
NORTH PARK TAP 313 W. North: No cover. Thursdays, 9 PM, Steelin’ Jazz. 312-943-5228.
100 SOUTH CHOP HOUSE & GRILL 100 S. York, Elmhurst: No cover. Mondays and Tuesdays, 7 PM, Marc Pompe Trio. Wednesdays, 7 PM, Sketches in Blue. 630-782-9091.
PALAGGI’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO 10 W. Hubbard: Music at 8 PM; no cover. Fridays, Nan Mason. Wednesdays, open mike. 312-527-1010.
PALM COURT Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton: Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 PM, Chad Willetts Trio with Deane Myers & Keith Brady. 312-787-2200.
PETE MILLER’S STEAKHOUSE 1557 Sherman, Evanston: Restaurant with music at 8:30 PM; no cover. Fri 12/20 and Sat 12/21, Yoko Noge & Jazz Me Blues. Mondays, Mike Kocour Trio. Thursdays, Jeff Parker Trio. Fri 12/27 and Sat 12/28, Ernest Dawkins Quartet. 847-328-0399.
PHILANDER’S OAK PARK 1120 Pleasant, Oak Park: Fridays, 9:30 PM, King Fleming Trio. Sundays, 6:30 PM, Kara Kesselring. Mondays, 7:30 PM, Sami Scot. Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Marshall Vente Trio. Wednesdays, 7:30 PM, Jackie Allen & Judy Roberts. Thursdays, 7:30 PM, John Wright Duo. 708-848-4250.
PHYLLIS’ MUSICAL INN 1800 W. Division: Mondays, 9 PM, Corey Radford/Scott Anderson Quartet. 773-486-9862.
PONTIAC CAFE 1531 N. Damen: Wednesdays, 10 PM, Treehouse Project Quintet. 773-252-7767.
POPS FOR CHAMPAGNE 2934 N. Sheffield: Music at 8:30 PM, 9 PM Fridays and Saturdays. Fri 12/20, Yoko Noge, Dee Alexander Quartet. Sat 12/21, Typhanie Monique Quartet. Sundays, Russell Alan Rowe Trio. Mon 12/23, Judy Roberts & Greg Fishman. Thursdays, George McRae Trio. Fri 12/27, 6 PM, Esteban Sehinkman; 9 PM, Dave Flippo, Gephart Long Quartet. Sat 12/28, Savoir Faire. 773-472-1000.
POPS HIGHWOOD 214 Green Bay, Highwood: Music at 8:30 PM. Fri 12/20, Rankinfyle. Sat 12/21, Franz Jackson Quartet. 847-266-1313.
QUENCHERS SALOON 2401 N. Western: Music at 9:30 PM; no cover. Fri 12/20, Havana. Sundays, open jam with the Jeremy Callner Trio. Fri 12/27, Jazz Solution with Tunia. 773-276-9730.
RED FROG PUB & GRILL 5353 W. Irving Park: Mondays, 9 PM, John Paris Trio (no cover). 773-545-3761.
REVOLUCION CAFE 1134 W. 18th: No cover. Sundays, 5 PM, Tommy Bradford Band. 312-421-8164.
SAUSSY 1156 W. Grand: Restaurant. Fridays, 8 PM, Mood Swing Quartet with Bob Thornton (no cover). Sat 12/21, 7 PM, Elaine Dame Duo. 312-491-1122.
SHAW’S CRAB HOUSE 21 E. Hubbard: Restaurant with music in the Blue Crab Lounge at 7 PM. Sun 12/29, BMR4. 312-527-2722.
SIGNATURE LOUNGE AT THE 96TH John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan: Sun 12/22 and Sun 12/29, 8 PM, Bradley Williams & Gingi Lahera. 312-787-9596.
SMOKE DADDY 1804 W. Division: Tuesdays, 9:30 PM, Taku Akiyama Quartet. Wednesdays, 9:30 PM, Juli Wood/John Goldman 2-Horn Band. 773-772-6656.
SOME LIKE IT BLACK COFFEE CLUB 4500 S. Michigan: Saturdays, 7-9:30 PM, jazz jam session (no cover). Wednesdays, 8 PM, open mike with the Ancestral Resurrection Ensemble (call 312-263-1649 for more information). 773-377-5004, ext. 2228.
SOPRANOS 2901 N. Sheffield: Bar and restaurant. Fridays, 8 PM, Saturdays, 9 PM, and Thursdays, 7 PM, Kuzzins (no cover). 773-871-0990.
SPOKEN WORD CAFE 4655 S. King Dr.: Sat 12/21, 9 and 10:30 PM, Malachi Thompson Freebop Band with Gary Bartz & Billy Harper. 773-805-9036.
STEVIE B’S 1401 N. Ashland: Fridays, 7 PM, Take Two. Saturdays, 7 PM, reggae/jazz saxophonist Byrd. 773-486-7427.
THE STUDIO 8717 Lincoln, Morton Grove: Fridays, 8 PM, Gina Gibson Trio. 847-965-1962.
3030 3030 W. Cortland: Music at 9 PM. Fri 12/20, Grant Strombeck/Jack Wright/Susan Wolf Trio. Sat 12/21, Alvis, Andreas Kapsalis Three. 773-862-3616.
THYME 464 N. Halsted: Restaurant and bar. Tuesdays, 6-9 PM, David Rothstein 6-Piece Orchestra. Wednesdays, 6-9 PM, David Rothstein Trio. 312-226-4300.
TROPICAL DEN 7209 S. Exchange: Thursdays, 7:30 PM, open mike hosted by George Freeman. 773-978-2341.
T’S 5025 N. Clark: Wednesdays, 7:30 PM, Joanna Ashley. 773-784-6000.
UFFA 1008 W. Armitage: Sat 12/21, 11 PM, Minor Third Quartet. 773-665-4410.
UNDERGROUND WONDER BAR 10 E. Walton: Fridays and Saturdays, 11 PM, Lonie Walker & Big Bad Ass Company Band. Sundays, 10 PM, Heather Horton Band. Tuesdays, 8 PM, Lonie Walker; 11 PM, Kimberly Gordon Quartet; 2 AM, Vince Willis. Wednesdays, 8 PM, Brian O’Hern; 11 PM, Lonie Walker & Big Bad Ass Company Band. 312-266-7761.
VELVET LOUNGE 21281/2 S. Indiana: Music after 9:30 PM. Fri 12/20, Mwata Bowden & Sound Spectrum. Sat 12/21, 7:30 PM, Malachi Thompson; 10 PM, Mwata Bowden & Sound Spectrum. Sundays, 7 PM, jam session with saxophonist Dennis Winslett and percussionist Kobie Watkins. Wednesdays, 9 PM, Vincent Davis & friends. Thu 12/26, Isaiah Spencer Quartet. Fri 12/27, David Boykin Expanse. Sat 12/28, Fred Anderson with Jeff Parker, Darius Savage & Hamid Drake. 312-791-9050.
VIKING STEAKHOUSE 27 W 150 Roosevelt, Winfield: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7-11 PM, jam session with Bruce Oscar Trio (no cover). 630-653-2110.
WEEDS 1555 N. Dayton: Music at 9 PM; no cover. Thursdays, Jazz for Tough Times. 312-943-7815.
international
concerts
LAS GUITARRAS DE ESPANA in a free concert. Sun 12/29, 2 PM, Millennium Park, 55 N. Michigan. 312-742-7529.
SARIT HADAD Thu 12/26, 8:30 PM, Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. 773-761-7882 or 312-902-1500.
LIRA SINGERS, CUERDAS CLASICAS, IMANI YA WATUME in a free concert. Sat 12/28, 11 AM, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. 312-922-9410.
international
clubs
ACCENT CAFE 700 River, Mount Prospect: Sundays, 7 PM, DJ Johnny Rumba spins salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, and Latin pop (with Latin dance lessons at 9 PM). 847-298-2233.
BOUZOUKI LOUNGE 310 S. Halsted: Thursdays through Sundays, 11 PM-4 AM, Greek musicians and singers perform with a belly dancer. 312-707-8600.
CAFE USA 3801 Mannheim, Schiller Park: Tuesdays, 10 PM, DJ Johnny Rumba spins salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, and Latin pop with Latin dance lessons by Amir. 847-233-0011.
CHASE CAFE 7301 N. Sheridan: Sat 12/21, 8 PM, Goran Ivanovic & Yaron Goldman perform Balkan music. 773-743-5650.
EXCALIBUR 632 N. Dearborn: In Club X: Thursdays, 9 PM-4 AM, Jesus Enriquez y Su Orquesta; DJ Juan Carlos spins salsa & merengue. 312-266-1944.
FRANKIE’S BLUE ROOM 16 W. Chicago, Naperville: Music after 9:30 PM on Fridays, 9 PM on Saturdays. Fri 12/27, Banda Rika. 630-416-4898.
HOTHOUSE 31 E. Balbo: Sat 12/21, 9 PM, Mambo Express Afro-Cuban Band. Thu 12/26, 8 PM, Goran Ivanovic & Fareed Haque. Fri 12/27, 9 PM, customer appreciation party with Sir Shina Owolabi & the African Morning Stars Band (no cover). Sat 12/28, 10 PM, Los Hombres Perdidos, Las Guitarras de Espana. 312-362-9707.
INNJOY 2051 W. Division: Sundays, 9 PM, Magellan’s Sphere. 773-394-2066.
LUNA MEXICANA 3565 W. Fullerton: Fridays, 9 PM, Latin jazz and salsa with Yorumba (no cover). 773-252-1639.
MAMBO 3336 N. Milwaukee: Fridays, 5 PM-midnight, Blue Son, En Clave Negra. Saturdays, 10 PM, Orquesta Sabor. 773-481-2050.
NEVIN’S LIVE 1450 Sherman, Evanston: Fri 12/20, 9 PM, Chicago Samba. 847-869-0450.
THE NOTE 1565 N. Milwaukee: Thursdays, 10 PM, Chicago Samba. 773-489-0011.
THE ORIGINAL MOTHER’S 26 W. Division: Wednesdays, 8:30 PM-4 AM, DJs Johnny Rumba & El Papichulo spin salsa dura and tropical beats with Latin dance lessons by Lisa la Boriqua at 9:30 PM. 312-427-2572.
LA PENA 4212 N. Milwaukee: Restaurant. Thursdays through Saturdays, 7:30 PM, Tribus Futuras performs Andean music. 773-545-7022.
PLAVA LAGUNA 2610 W. Peterson: Music after 9 PM. Fridays and Saturdays, Bosnian folk music. 773-465-1483.
RAS DASHEN 5846 N. Broadway: Restaurant. Sat 12/21, 8 PM, 7:30 PM, Saful Rumba performs Afro-Latin and Latin jazz. 773-506-9601.
RHYTHM 1108 W. Randolph: Sat 12/21, 10 PM, Chicago Samba. 312-492-6100.
VOODOO 601 Mall, Schaumburg: Tuesdays, 10:30 PM, DJs El Guapo & Mercurio with Latin dance lessons by Lisa la Boriqua. 847-969-1602.
ZHIVAGO 9925 Gross Point, Skokie: Fridays, 10 PM, DJ El Papichulo spins salsa and Caribbean music with Latin dance lessons by Jerome. 847-982-1400.
classical
ALISON ATTAR harp (Purcell, Parry, traditional, and others). Sun 12/22, 4 PM, Bryan Colby Barn, 1561 Jones Point Rd., Grayslake. 847-543-1202.
CHICAGO BOYCHOIR, CANTORES MINORES CHICAGO James Brian Smith conducts a free holiday concert. Sun 12/22, 4 PM, Our Lady of Victory Church, 5212 W. Agatite. 773-286-2950.
CHICAGO CHAMBER CHOIR in “Carols by Candlelight: a Holiday Sing-Along.” Sun 12/22, 7 PM, Unity Lutheran Church, 5409 N. Magnolia. 773-409-6890.
CHICAGO CHORAL ARTISTS Bart Bradfield conducts a holiday concert. Sat 12/21, 8 PM, Unitarian Church in Evanston, 1330 Ridge, Evanston. 773-878-6467.
CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Orchestra Hall, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan: Fri 12/20, 1:30 PM, and Sat 12/21, 8 PM, Mikko Franck, conductor, with clarinetist Larry Combs (Rautavaara, Copland, Sibelius). Preconcert talks are given one hour and 15 minutes before each performance. 312-294-3000 or 800-223-7114.
MEMBERS OF THE CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Duain Wolfe conducts a holiday concert featuring the Chicago Symphony Chorus. Fri 12/20, 7:30 PM, Sat 12/21, 3 PM, and Sun 12/22 and Mon 12/23, 3 and 7:30 PM, Orchestra Hall, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan. 312-294-3000 or 800-223-7114.
CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION CHOIR Thomas Wikman, conductor. Sun 12/29, 2 PM, Holy Family Church, 1080 W. Roosevelt. 312-492-8442.
ELGIN CHORAL UNION with the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Larkin High School Choir in a holiday concert. Sat 12/21, 3 and 7 PM, Visual and Performing Arts Center, Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan, Elgin. 847-622-0300.
ELGIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Robert Hanson, conductor, with the Saint Charles Singers and vocal soloists (Handel, Messiah). Sun 12/22, 2 and 6:30 PM, Hemmens Theatre, 150 Dexter, Elgin. 847-888-4000.
KRISTIN FIGARD violin, with pianist Tracy Figard in a free concert. Mon 12/23, 12:15 PM, Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. 312-744-6630 or 312-346-3278.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF EVANSTON CHANCEL CHOIR First Congregational Church of Evanston, 1445 Hinman, Evanston: Sun 12/22, 10 AM, David Lornson conducts part one of Handel’s Messiah. Tue 12/24, 11 PM, candlelight service of lessons and carols (Rutter, Willcocks, and others). 847-864-8332.
FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MORNING CHOIR AND TOWER BRASS John W.W. Sherer conducts Dan Locklair’s Gloria in religious services. Sun 12/22, 9:30 and 11 AM, Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut. 312-787-2729, ext. 600.
FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH NOONDAY CONCERTS Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut: Fri 12/20, 12:10 PM, Chute Middle School Chorus and Handbell Choir (Handel, Schuman, Gruber, Hogan, Dilworth, Emerson). Fri 12/27, 12:10 PM, “Christmas carol sing-along.” 312-787-4570.
HOLY NAME CATHEDRAL ORGAN RECITALS Holy Name Cathedral, 730 N. Wabash: Free admission. Sun 12/22, 3:30 PM, Wolfgang Reisinger (Lindberg, Vierne, Heiller, Reisinger). Recital is followed by an Advent vespers sung by the Cathedral Gallery and Chamber Singers at 4 PM. 312-664-6963.
KEITH HOOPER, CARL SCHMIDT, AND DAVID WHITEHOUSE oboe, trumpet, and organ (Bach, Vivaldi, Galuppi, Boellmann). Sun 12/29, noon, Holy Family Church, 1080 W. Roosevelt. 312-492-8442.
HOTTI BISCOTTI 3545 W. Fullerton: Sundays, 2-4 PM, guitarist Matt Faunce (Albeniz, Barrios, Kleynjans, and others). 773-486-4093.
LAKE STREET CHURCH CHOIRS in a free Christmas concert (Britten, Victoria, Parker-Shaw, Goemanne, and others). Sun 12/22, 10:30 AM, Lake Street Church of Evanston, 607 W. Lake, Evanston. 847-864-2181.
LIGHT OPERA WORKS Peter Lipari conducts Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance. See Critic’s Choice. Sat 12/21, 8 PM, Sun 12/22 and Thu 12/26, 2 PM, Fri 12/27, 8 PM, Sat 12/28, 2 and 8 PM, and Sun 12/29, 2 PM, Cahn Auditorium, Northwestern University, 600 Emerson, Evanston. 847-869-6300.
LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker: Fri 12/20, 7:30 PM, and Sun 12/22, 2 PM, Paul Gemignani, conductor, with bass-baritone Bryn Terfel, baritones Timothy Nolen and Nathan Gunn, sopranos Celena Shafer and Sheri Greenawald, mezzo-soprano Judith Christin, and tenor David Cangelosi (Sondheim, Sweeney Todd). Sat 12/21, 7:30 PM, Sir Andrew Davis, conductor, with soprano Renee Fleming and baritone Thomas Hampson (Massenet, Tha•s). 312-332-2244.
MIDWEST YOUNG ARTISTS MADRIGAL DINNERS Sunny Joy Langton conducts madrigal singers. Fri 12/20 and Sat 12/21, 6 and 8 PM, Midwest Young Artists Center, 878 Lyster, Highwood. 847-926-9898.
DREW MINTER countertenor, in a holiday program (Monteverdi, Rosenbuller, Buxtehude, and others). Sun 12/22, 3 PM, and Mon 12/23, 8 PM, Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton. 312-255-3700.
ROBERT MOCKUS organ, with vocal soloists. Fri 12/20, 7:45 PM, Pullman United Methodist Church, 11211 S. Saint Lawrence. 773-785-7344 or 773-928-1824.
MUSIC OF THE BAROQUE CHORUS AND BRASS ENSEMBLE Edward Zelnis conducts a holiday program. Sat 12/21, 8 PM, and Sun 12/22, 3 PM, Divine Word Chapel, 2001 Waukegan, Techny. 312-551-1414.
PROTEGE PHILHARMONIC Joseph Glymph, conductor, with soprano Miroslawa Sojka-Topor in a Christmas concert (Kabalevsky, Elgar, Tchaikovsky, traditional, and others). Sun 12/22, 3 PM, Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence. 847-341-1521.
ST. GREGORY THE GREAT CHOIR, CHILDREN’S CHOIR, STRING QUARTET, AND BRASS QUINTET in a Festival of “Lessons, Lights and Carols.” Mon 12/23, 7 PM, St. Gregory the Great Church, 5505 N. Paulina. 773-561-3546.
ST. ITA PARISH CHURCH CHOIRS in a free holiday concert. Sun 12/22, 7 PM, St. Ita Church, 5500 N. Broadway. 773-561-5343, ext. 13.
SAINT LUKE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA AND BACH CHOIR Mark Bangert conducts Bach’s Cantata BWV 110. Sun 12/22, 4 PM, Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Luke, 1500 W. Belmont. 773-472-3373.
VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Dennis Friesen-Carper, conductor, with the Trinity United Church of Christ Choir. Fri 12/20, 7 PM, Trinity United Church of Christ, 400 W. 95th. 773-962-5650.
VERMEER QUARTET (Hindemith, Debussy, Wolf). Fri 12/20, 8 PM, Fine Arts Center Recital Hall, Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N. Saint Louis. 773-442-4636.
PIANO STUDENTS OF IRINA VOROBEYCHIK with violinist David Yonan in a free holiday concert. Sat 12/21, 2 PM, Louis Lerner Auditorium, Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln. 312-744-7616.
miscellaneous
CHICAGO BAR ASSOCIATION VOCAL ENSEMBLE Free concert. Fri 12/20, 12:15 PM, grand lobby, Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State. 312-747-4050.
HAMID DRAKE & MICHAEL ZERANG 12th annual winter solstice percussion concerts. See Critic’s Choice. Sat 12/21 through Mon 12/23, 6 AM, Link’s Hall Studio, 3435 N. Sheffield. 773-871-5318 or 773-281-0824.
HOLIDAY MUSIC AT CITY HALL City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle: Fri 12/20, noon, Haugan Elementary School Chorale. 312-744-3370.
JOLIET FESTIVAL SINGERS & RIALTO CHILDREN’S CHOIR in a Service of Nine Lessons & Carols. Sun 12/22, 3:30 PM, Christ Episcopal Church, 75 W. Van Buren, Joliet. 815-723-1612.
LIRA SINGERS, CUERDAS CLASICAS, IMANI YA WATUME in a free concert. Sat 12/28, 11 AM, Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. 312-922-9410.
ROBERT MOCKUS plays the Steere & Turner tracker organ with guest vocalists. Fri 12/20, 7:45 PM, Greenstone United Methodist Church, 11211 S. Saint Lawrence. 773-785-7344 or 773-928-1824.
UNDER THE PICASSO Daley Center Plaza, 50 W. Washington: Free noontime programs. Mon 12/23, Chicago Public Schools All-City High School Band. 312-346-3278.